Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

The Digital Economy Act 2017 (DEA) contains data sharing powers that allow specified authorities to share information, including personal data, for specific purposes. Anyone sharing information under Chapters 1- 4 of Part 5 of the DEA is required to have regard to the relevant Code of Practice when doing so. This states that those authorities, listed in schedules 4-8 and Chapter 2 of the DEA, should enter an information sharing agreement (ISA) when sharing data under these powers.

The codes of practice provide details to practitioners on how information sharing powers under the DEA must be operated. Those relating to public service delivery (PSD), debt and fraud and civil registration place a requirement on the Data Controller(s) to set out information about their ISA within a publicly available register.

The register, operated by Government Digital Service (GDS) and publicly available on GOV.UK, provides a central repository of all data shares made under the powers provided by Chapters 1 - 4 of Part 5 of the DEA. It is a key transparency measure which outlines details of each data share, including the bodies involved, why it is shared, for how long and the expected benefits.

The register currently contains 525 entries and 464 public bodies. It is available at https://www.digital-economy-act-register.data.gov.uk.

While GDS is responsible for maintaining the register, the DEA’s statutory Code of Practice makes clear that responsibility for the accuracy of register entries rests with the public authorities involved in each data share, except in relation to the debt and fraud provisions, where responsibility falls under the debt and fraud secretariat.

The government takes the security and integrity of our democratic processes very seriously, including the risks posed by AI-generated content. While recent UK elections did not see the scale and sophistication of AI anticipated, this remains an important issue.

The Online Safety Act requires in-scope services to mitigate risks from illegal disinformation, including AI-generated content, relevant to elections (e.g. false communications). Media literacy is also part of our wider approach, building public resilience to mis- and disinformation.

The department also engages through the government’s Defending Democracy Taskforce, which is committed to safeguarding the UK from the full range of threats to democracy, including those from AI.

AI Growth Zones will bring thousands of new jobs and millions of pounds in investment right to the places that need it most.

In North Wales, we anticipate 3,450 jobs will be created, and in South Wales we expect at least 5,000 jobs will be created - spanning construction, temporary roles and high-skilled engineering and technical roles.

Job creation will commence as infrastructure works progress, with full delivery of this infrastructure projected by the early 2030s.

The United States is our close ally and tech partner, and we are committed to ensuring that bond delivers real benefits for hardworking people on both sides of the Atlantic.

We look forward to resuming work on this partnership with the US as quickly as we can to achieve that and working together to help shape the emerging technologies of the future.

Most recently, we were pleased to announce advances in how we share cutting edge UK and US quantum research as well as TAE Technologies and the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s joint venture partnership to commercialise fusion technology in the UK.

The government is committed to ensuring that the adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector is safe, effective, efficient and ethical. This work is guided by the AI Opportunities Action Plan and the AI Playbook for Government, which provide departments and public sector organisations with accessible technical guidance on the responsible use of AI.

The AI Playbook includes ethical and legal guidance for all civil servants on how to use AI safely and responsibly. This covers data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and sustainability, alongside the principles set out in the government’s pro-innovation approach to AI regulation. Departments are required to follow existing civil service-wide standards and policies, such as the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard, to ensure compliance and maintain accountability when deploying AI systems.

The Government, working with Ofcom, closely monitors the financial health of the telecoms market. Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers where appropriate.

We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.

In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

The Government, working with Ofcom, closely monitors the financial health of the telecoms market. Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers where appropriate.

We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.

In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

The Government, working with Ofcom, closely monitors the financial health of the telecoms market. Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers where appropriate.

We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.

In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

The rollout of 5G infrastructure is commercially driven and government does not hold data on where, or when, future rollout of mobile infrastructure will take place.

Government has a clear ambition for all populated areas to have higher quality 5G standalone connectivity by 2030. All three mobile network operators have committed significant investment across the UK working towards achieving this.

In Ofcom’s Connected Nations Annual Report 2025 (published November 2025), which shows coverage as of July 2025, 5G coverage is already present outside of 91% of premises across Wales, and that standalone 5G is available outside of 59% of premises

The non‑binding Memorandum of Understanding between DSIT and Google DeepMind establishes a partnership for collaboration to support delivery on this government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. This includes concrete initiatives such as priority access for UK scientists to AI tools; deepening collaboration with the AI Security Institute on AI safety and security research; and support for the development of AI-ready datasets in strategically important domains such as fusion energy.

The automated lab announced alongside the MoU is an independent Google DeepMind initiative, fully funded by Google DeepMind. The UK Government is not involved in operating or funding the lab.

The partnership with Google DeepMind will support DSIT’s efforts to explore how AI can improve productivity and service delivery across government. However, any use of AI in public services will be subject to the highest standards of safety and security, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, the Government’s Data Ethics Framework, and relevant departmental assurance and security processes.

The Government is committed to ensuring the trusted and fair use of AI.

Through the AI Opportunities Action Plan, we committed to taking steps to drive responsible adoption of AI across sectors. This includes establishing the AI Assurance Innovation Fund. We are investing £11 million in the fund and convening a national consortium of expert stakeholders to support the quality and growth of the AI assurance market.

The Government has also published guidance on Responsible AI in Recruitment. This focuses on good practice for the procurement and deployment of AI systems for HR and recruitment. It identifies key questions, considerations, and assurance mechanisms that may be used to ensure the safe and trustworthy use of AI in recruitment.

The government is actively considering what exceptions could be made to regulation 6, and we shall update the House in due course.

Any regulations would be developed and drafted by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will publish recommendations for the government on this issue. The Government will consult the ICO and other interested stakeholders on the development of any regulations, as we are legally required to by the provisions in section 112(3) of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

A range of regulation and legislation applies to AI systems such as data protection, equality legislation and sectoral regulation. Where AI systems contravene or are non-compliant with those rules, enforcement and mechanisms for redress will apply. The government is committed to supporting regulators to promote the responsible use of AI in their sectors including identifying and addressing bias.

To further tackle this issue, the government ran the Fairness Innovation Challenge (FIC) with Innovate UK, the Equality and Human Rights Council (EHRC), and the ICO. FIC supported the development of novel of solutions to address bias and discrimination in AI systems and supported the EHRC and ICO to shape their own broader regulatory guidance.

The Government’s new strategy sets out our long-term vision for a world where the use of animals in science is eliminated in all but exceptional circumstances, achieved by creating a research and innovation system that drives the development and validation of alternative methods to using animals in science. We will provide regular updates on strategy delivery including through a publicly available dashboard. Recognising that the legal framework in the UK already requires that animals are only ever used in science where there are no validated alternatives available, the government currently has no plans to legislate further on this matter.

The government takes tackling cyberbullying and online grooming extremely seriously.

Under the Online Safety Act, services must put in place measures to mitigate the risk of illegal activity, including grooming, and protect children from harmful content, such as bullying.

Ofcom recommends measures services can take to fulfil their duties in Codes of Practice, including using hash matching to detect and remove child sexual abuse material. Ofcom can introduce new measures in future iterations of the Codes.

On 18 December, the government published its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, including a world-leading ban on nudification apps. This government will not allow technology to be weaponised to humiliate and exploit women and girls.

I meet regularly with civil society, industry and Ofcom to discuss online safety, including the risks of AI chatbots.

AI services allowing users to share content with one another or that search the live web are covered under the Online Safety Act and have a duty to protect users from illegal content, and children from harmful content.

To build on this, I have made encouraging self-harm a priority offence under the Act and in-scope chatbots will need to have measures in place to prevent users from encountering this content.

The Government identifies and assesses risks to the nation through the internal, classified National Security Risk Assessment, and the external National Risk Register, the most recent version of which was published in August

As set out in the UK Government Resilience Framework, each risk in the National Security Risk Assessment is owned and managed within Lead Government Departments

Where those risks, including national security risks, relate to the work of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), then they are managed through the department’s risk management processes. Within DSIT, risks are regularly reported to the department’s SLT, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, and then scrutinised by the Audit and Risk Committee (ARAC) on a regular basis.

The Secretary of State has had no discussions with social media companies on this matter.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 make it a criminal offence for anyone who is not on the Gas Safe Register to carry out gas work in domestic properties.

The Advertising Standards Authority requires all advertising to be legal and socially responsible. It is working with online platforms which have signed up to its Intermediary and Platform Principles to encourage compliance with the advertising codes online.

The Online Advertising Taskforce, chaired by the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, is also working to improve transparency and accountability in the online advertising supply chain.

We will work closely with expert stakeholders, including the Information Commissioner’s Office and the National Cyber Security Centre, to make the programme as effective and secure as possible. Our approach will involve a federated data model, to ensure privacy and security.

Overall responsibility for the scheme sits with the Cabinet Office who will be launching a public consultation in the new year, which will seek views on the design, build and delivery of the system.

Privacy and security will be core to the design of a new digital credential. We are working with the UK’s leading security experts – including the National Cyber Security Centre – to build a system with higher protections against identity fraud than ever before. Ensuring that security arrangements keep pace with the changing threat landscape will be central to the scheme.

Overall responsibility for the scheme sits with the Cabinet Office who will be launching a public consultation in the new year.

Information on the number of civil servants employed on temporary contracts is published quarterly by the Office for National Statistics as part of the quarterly Public Sector Employment statistics. Information can be accessed for September 2025 at the following web address:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/bulletins/publicsectoremployment/september2025

Departmental expenditure on consultancy is published within the Annual Report and Accounts. The latest report for FY 2024/25 can be found at the following web address:

DSIT annual report and accounts 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK

The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) is operational now, and in January 2026 all of its core functionality for use in street works will be in place. Development and continuous improvement will continue beyond this point, informed by user feedback. NUAR has been developed to give undertakers standardised, efficient access to asset information for carrying out street works. Feedback from users demonstrate that NUAR already delivers major improvements over existing processes for gathering information about buried utilities. No centralised risk assessment has been delivered as each organisation remains responsible for determining how NUAR fits into its safe working practices and for conducting any necessary risk assessments and ensuring that relevant guidance is adhered to. We will be carrying out a robust programme of monitoring and evaluation which will review multiple indicators to understand the impact of NUAR on safe working practices.

The allocation of funding for mathematical sciences within the 2026-27 Strategic Priorities Grant is the responsibility of the Department for Education (DfE). As such, there has been no specific internal discussion within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on this issue.

For this Academic Year 2025-26, more than two thirds of the £1.3 billion Strategic Priorities Grant budget allocated to providers will support the provision of high-cost subjects, for example medicine, dentistry; science, engineering and technology. DfE is reviewing the high-cost subject funding to ensure that this best aligns with the Government’s Growth Mission and is targeted effectively towards provision that supports the industrial strategy and future skills needs. DfE will issue guidance to the Office for Student (OfS) in due course setting out funding priorities for 2026/27.

The department uses Ofcom's Connected Nations data which includes metrics on geographic, indoor and outdoor premises coverage across the UK. Ofcom describes quality of service using coverage confidence levels and signal strength thresholds. The methodology is available at: CN2025 - Methodology Annex.

The department is aware of various external data sources, including the EU commission’s 5G Observatory report 2025 | Shaping Europe’s digital future, The Mobile Economy 2025 - The Mobile Economy and Global Network Excellence Index | Opensignal that publish a variety of metrics for international comparisons. While direct comparisons between countries are difficult to draw, this is an invaluable input into informing the department’s policy development.

The EU commission published data on 5G coverage for households at the end of 2024 which showed that coverage in the UK at the end of 2024 (95%) was on par with India, China and ahead of France (94%) and the EU (94.3%), but behind South Korea (100%), Japan (99.2%), Norway, Iceland and Germany (all 99%) as well as Spain (95.7%) and USA (97.0%). Since this assessment, UK 5G coverage outside premises has increased to 97%.

The government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Operators have set out investment plans that align with our ambition, and we are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment and competition in the market.

The aim of the 2017 reforms was to encourage investment in digital networks and improve coverage and connectivity across the UK. The changes introduced by the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 ensure greater consistency throughout the UK and reduce confusion and uncertainty when agreements come to an end and are being renewed.

While the Department does not monitor levels of reinvestment in networks, Ofcom’s Connected Nations report provides an estimate for the level of investment into mobile networks by industry. Ofcom’s latest report estimates that in 2024, mobile network investment accounted for £1.8bn.

The government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Operators have set out investment plans that align with our ambition, and we are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment and competition in the market.

The aim of the 2017 reforms was to encourage investment in digital networks and improve coverage and connectivity across the UK. The changes introduced by the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 ensure greater consistency throughout the UK and reduce confusion and uncertainty when agreements come to an end and are being renewed.

While the Department does not monitor levels of reinvestment in networks, Ofcom’s Connected Nations report provides an estimate for the level of investment into mobile networks by industry. Ofcom’s latest report estimates that in 2024, mobile network investment accounted for £1.8bn.

This government recognises the importance of innovative and modern telecoms networks. Alongside deploying the best technology now, there is an opportunity to grow the UK’s role in shaping and developing Advanced Connectivity Technologies for the future. We will invest at least £370 million R&D and infrastructure to support promising UK companies; ensure the right spectrum is available and deepen our ties with other-leading countries in the sector. The government is also working with industry to ensure that at least 99% of premises have access to gigabit capable broadband by 2032 and that all populated areas have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030.

The point at which agreements relating to telecoms infrastructure installations pre-dating the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code will transfer onto the legal framework established through those reforms depends on the type of agreement previously in place and whether or not the agreement is renewed.

The provisions that determine which legal framework applies to renewal agreements were set out in the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Sections 61 - 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 introduced measures extending the “no network” valuation scheme established by the 2017 reforms to certain agreements still regulated by pre-2017 frameworks when they are renewed. Regulations relating to these provisions were made on 15 December 2025. Agreements affected by these regulations will move onto the “no network” valuation scheme on renewal after the regulations come into force on 7 April 2026.

The point at which agreements relating to telecoms infrastructure installations pre-dating the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code will transfer onto the legal framework established through those reforms depends on the type of agreement previously in place and whether or not the agreement is renewed.

The provisions that determine which legal framework applies to renewal agreements were set out in the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Sections 61 - 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 introduced measures extending the “no network” valuation scheme established by the 2017 reforms to certain agreements still regulated by pre-2017 frameworks when they are renewed. Regulations relating to these provisions were made on 15 December 2025. Agreements affected by these regulations will move onto the “no network” valuation scheme on renewal after the regulations come into force on 7 April 2026.

For the purpose of this answer, ‘full 5G’ has been interpreted as meaning standalone 5G.

Our ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. How network operators achieve this through both existing and new infrastructure is a commercial decision, balancing the needs of different user groups and services, with the availability of spectrum and infrastructure. All three mobile operators have committed significant investment and are aligning plans with this ambition.

Ofcom’s Connected Nations Report, published on 19 November 2025, states that more than 12,000 sites across the UK are now supporting standalone 5G connectivity.

Ofcom will continue to report on standalone 5G coverage across the UK. The department is also working closely with operators to identify, and remove, barriers to deployment where it is practical to do so.

The trajectory of AI development is uncertain and evolving quickly. New AI technologies, including ‘chatbot’ style applications built on frontier AI models, offer both opportunities and risks. It is imperative that we to understand these impacts from a scientific perspective, especially where they have potential to impact the mental health of people in the UK.

The AI Security Institute is conducting a range of research projects to advance the evidence base around the impacts of AI, to ensure the government is prepared to realise opportunities and mitigate risks. It informs government’s ability to respond appropriately to the issue.

We have conducted a discovery project and testing phase to investigate the potential to broaden access to information held in NUAR, and through other channels, including via third-party access. The outputs of this will be communicated to the sector in due course, and we remain committed to ensuring that this information remains secure and available free at the point of use for authorised street works users.

Ofcom is responsible for the management of spectrum in the UK. Ofcom monitors mobile coverage, including 5G, at a regional level and publishes a mobile coverage checker, Map your Mobile.

Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report (published 19 November 2025) shows over 12,000 UK sites now provide standalone 5G. Ofcom does not report spectrum allocation by individual sites, as regional data provides a clearer picture of the overall service available for consumers.

The government works closely with Ofcom to ensure spectrum is used effectively and to maintain accurate coverage reporting to support policy, investment, and informed consumer choice.

For the purpose of this answer, regulatory and consumer standards have been interpreted as how 4G and 5G is referred to by Ofcom in its Connected Nations reports and its consumer coverage checker, ‘Map Your Mobile’, respectively.

The ‘Map Your Mobile’ tool was updated in June 2025 to provide consumers with a definition of ‘good’ mobile coverage, agnostic of any generation of cellular communications. This was done to better reflect what users today expect to do on their mobile device when connected to a mobile network in an easy to understand way.

Network operators do refer to their products slightly differently in some cases, for example, referring to standalone 5G as 5G+ or 5G Ultra. These are marketing terms used for customers and do not reflect a different standard.

The number of major incidents on the PSTN (affecting 500 or more customers) has been increasing. In 2024, there was a 45% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024/25 there were over 2,600 major incidents on the PSTN. VoIP landline services are more resistant to severe weather as the cables used are waterproof, and less prone to damage during a storm or other severe weather events. Over two thirds of landlines have already been migrated to VoIP.

The Government is committed to ensuring that any risks arising from the industry-led migration from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated, including for rural residents who are landline-dependent.

In November 2024, the Government secured additional safeguards from communication providers. These include providing free battery back-up units for landline-dependent customers to ensure emergency access for at least one hour during power outages. Many communication providers offer battery back-up unit lasting 4-7 hours. This will enable people without mobile coverage to continue to access emergency services using their landline during a power cut.

The Government has commissioned studies into satellite‑related light pollution and continues to work closely with the scientific community to determine the most appropriate approaches to this issue. In addition, the UK actively engages bilaterally and multilaterally with international partners through the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to establish and uphold standards, norms, and best practices governing orbital activities.

The Government works closely with international partners and industry to ensure the security and resilience of trans-Atlantic subsea telecoms cables. At the UK-Ireland Summit in March 2025, both countries committed to collaborating on maritime security with an emphasis on safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure. For example, the Government is already working with Irish counterparts to improve our emergency response procedures. The Government also recently unveiled Atlantic Bastion, the Royal Navy's plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO. It will exploit advances in autonomy and artificial intelligence to deter the growing underwater threat in light of a modernising Russian submarine force.

The Government keeps the financial health of the market under close review and Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, and its associated Regulations and Code of Practice introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce, and prepare for security and resilience risks.

We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.

In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

The Government keeps the financial health of the market under close review and Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, and its associated Regulations and Code of Practice introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce, and prepare for security and resilience risks.

We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.

In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

The Government keeps the financial health of the market under close review and Ofcom have powers to request financial information from providers. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, and its associated Regulations and Code of Practice introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce, and prepare for security and resilience risks.

We recently held a public consultation on proposed updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, which provides guidance on how public telecoms providers can meet their statutory requirements to secure their networks and services. These include requirements relating to reviews, governance and board responsibilities. Ofcom monitor and enforce these requirements.

In response to the consultation, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors raised the matter of independent assurance arrangements. We are now carefully reviewing all feedback to the consultation to ensure that any updates to the Code of Practice are appropriate and proportionate.

Sickness absence data for the Civil Service, including departmental breakdowns, are published annually and are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sickness-absence

The requested data on formal warnings are not held centrally in a reportable format.

• The table below sets out, by grade, the number of staff in DSIT recorded as having been assessed as ‘Exceeding’ – the highest performance rating for SCS and DSIT delegated grade staff – at the end of the most recent full reporting year (31 March 2025). It also lists what percentage this represents of the total number of staff at each grade.
• This data relates to DSIT staff excluding Government Digital Service as they did not formally transfer into the Department until June 2025.

*Numbers of 30 or fewer employees have been redacted.

• Data on the number of Disciplinary/Conduct cases and Performance cases which have concluded and had an outcome recorded in DSIT and its 4 Executive Agencies in the 12 months to December 2025 are provided in the table below.
• Figures reflect only cases where HR Casework Services were engaged and details formally recorded; issues managed independently by line managers are not included. Categories reflect those used by each organisation for recording this information.

Table - DSIT & Executive Agencies Disciplinary and Performance Case Outcomes (12 months to December 2025)

* Breakdown not available

• DSIT Executive Agencies include: Intellectual Property Office (IPO), UK Space Agency (UKSA), the Met Office, and Building Digital UK (BDUK). BDUK ceased to be an Executive Agency and became a Directorate of DSIT on 1 November 2025.
• Redactions: Where numbers are five or fewer, “≤5” is shown to protect confidentiality.

The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats has been published on 15^th December and closes on 16^th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the consultation does not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.

Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003 (the Electronic Communications Code) provides operators rights to install, maintain and upgrade electronic communications apparatus to properties and applies across the UK. Part 4A of the code contains specific measures to address access issues in multi-dwelling units, including blocks of flats, when a landlord is repeatedly unresponsive.