Department for Science, Innovation and Technology written question – answered at on 15 December 2025.
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Conservative, Solihull West and Shirley
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the accuracy of ICNIRP self-certification declarations submitted by telecommunications operators in respect of public exclusion zones for new and existing masts.
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Conservative, Solihull West and Shirley
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what guidance she has issued to local planning authorities on verifying ICNIRP self-certification against actual site conditions and public access restrictions.
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Conservative, Solihull West and Shirley
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department plans to introduce mandatory third-party verification of ICNIRP compliance for telecoms mast installations above a specified power threshold.
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Conservative, Solihull West and Shirley
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many instances of non-compliance with ICNIRP public exclusion zone requirements for telecommunications masts have been identified in each of the last five years; and what enforcement action was taken in each case.
Kanishka Narayan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is not responsible for public health considerations related to radio waves, nor for monitoring or measuring mobile network operators’ compliance with their existing obligations in this area. In the United Kingdom, the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises the Government on health impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and monitors emerging evidence.
Wireless network operators must comply with the guidelines set by The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection under licencing conditions set by ofcom. Ofcom can enforce compliance, including the requirement to meet public EMF limits and maintain records demonstrating compliance.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires operators declare that proposed sites comply with ICNIRP guidelines when submitting planning applications. As best practice, operators should provide self-certification statements with all applications confirming adherence to ICNIRP guidelines. The NPPF is the responsibility of Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
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Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.
Ofcom Web Site http://www.ofcom.org.uk
