Explanatory note

This Order amends the Telecommunications Industry (Rateable Values) Order 1989, which provides for the determination of the rateable value of telecommunications hereditaments occupied (or, if unoccupied, owned) by British Telecommunications plc and Mercury Communications Limited and shown in a central rating list.

Article 2 of this Order changes the recalculation factor in respect of Mercury Communications Limited. The recalculation factor is based on the length of cable owned by Mercury and the amendment will allow the aggregate increase in cable length to be used in the calculation of the rateable value of the relevant hereditaments rather than treating the increases in length in England and Wales separately.