New build developments – delivering gigabit-capable connections: partial business and regulatory impact assessment

5. Scottish Firms Impact Assessment

Due to the distribution of homes being built without gigabit capable connectivity leaning towards smaller developments in rural areas this proposed policy will have a greater impact on small and micro-businesses in the house building sector. It would be expected that additional costs falling to developers could be passed on regardless of the size of the developer.

Exemptions will apply for where meeting the requirement is unreasonable (e.g., where there is no future prospect of gigabit-capable networks in an area).

Engagement to date with FMB Scotland and Homes for Scotland has focused on the fact that the proposals disproportionately impact smaller businesses. It is intended that there will be further engagement throughout the consultation period with the trade bodies and with a representative sample of members most affected – smaller developers building on single plots and those up to 10 plots where dipropionate gigabit-capable connections are not available at outset.

This process will help establish:

• Any anticipated impact on the competitiveness of Scottish companies within the UK, or elsewhere in Europe or the rest of the world.
• The number of businesses and the sectors likely to be impacted by the change.
• The likely cost or benefit to business.