Mobile phone companies are to get relief on their business rates in a bid to increase mobile coverage in the district.
Under a new scheme, Richmondshire District Council is adding the operators of mobile telecommunication masts to the list of businesses that can apply for rate relief.
The local authority has the power to offer discretionary relief to businesses that it feels would benefit from it – and that in turn would benefit the local community.
Council leader, Councillor Yvonne Peacock, said: “In the past we were restricted on where we could provide discretionary relief but that has now been lifted.
“It is important that we help bring 100% broadband coverage to our district – it is vital to the economy and vitality of Richmondshire and will enable businesses to grow and people to stay in our district. In particular, it is important to ensure families continue to be attracted to live and work here.”
Members of the corporate board this week agreed to grant a seven year holiday in National Non Domestic Rates for all new (non 5G) rural mobile infrastructure, to a maximum of £6,000 per mast per year subject to:
- the new infrastructure serving a rural area where there is currently no mobile phone service
- the infrastructure is occupied for a minimum of seven years.
All awards of discretionary rate relief are subject to State Aid Rules.
