Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Minister for Communities in Northern Ireland regarding reform of licensing laws, including the surrender principle, and the creation of a new licensing system to invigorate the brewing and pub sector.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Captain of the King's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard (HM Household) (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Lords)

Northern Ireland has a rich and vibrant hospitality sector, with a wide range of pubs and brewing companies. Recent examples such as the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast have demonstrated the vital role this sector plays in the economy and life of Northern Ireland.

This Government has shown its commitment to supporting the brewing and pub sector with Pubs, clubs and live music venues receiving a 20% cut to their business rates bills. This is of course devolved to Northern Ireland, but the Government wants to work with the Executive to support our pubs and brewers amidst the rising cost of living.

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what requirements they make of broadband fibre companies to inform local authorities and residents when erecting telegraph poles for broadband; and whether there is official guidance on this subject.

Answered by Baroness Mackenzie of Sherwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016 provides guidance on ways operators can ensure installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are engaged. Operators deploying telegraph poles under permitted development rights must notify the local planning authority at least 28 days in advance. The Code of Practice also sets out that operators should place a site notice informing nearby residents of a proposed pole.

This is supplemented by revised industry guidance. The Telecommunications Poles Working Group published its Best Practice Recommendations in March 2025, which sets out expectations for operators on siting infrastructure and community engagement.

I will place a copy of the Cabinet Siting and Pole siting Code of Practice 2016 as well as the Best Practice Recommendations 2025 in the libraries of both Houses.

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of (1) the Government guidance, and (2) any industry best practice guidance endorsed by the Government, regarding the use, sharing and erection of telegraph poles for broadband.

Answered by Baroness Mackenzie of Sherwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016 provides guidance on ways operators can ensure installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are engaged. Operators deploying telegraph poles under permitted development rights must notify the local planning authority at least 28 days in advance. The Code of Practice also sets out that operators should place a site notice informing nearby residents of a proposed pole.

This is supplemented by revised industry guidance. The Telecommunications Poles Working Group published its Best Practice Recommendations in March 2025, which sets out expectations for operators on siting infrastructure and community engagement.

I will place a copy of the Cabinet Siting and Pole siting Code of Practice 2016 as well as the Best Practice Recommendations 2025 in the libraries of both Houses.