Rural Bulletin: 7 June 2018
A summary of the latest news and issues affecting rural landowners and businesses brought to you by Knight Frank.
2 minutes to read
Ministers sign off third runway plans for Heathrow Airport
The Cabinet has signed off plans for a third runway at Heathrow after years of government prevarication.
Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling announced £2.6bn in compensation for residents and for noise abatement measures. MPs will be asked to vote on the expansion plan by 11 July. However, expansion will only get the go-ahead if air quality commitments are met.
If your home, land, property or business is likely to be directly affected by the third runway at Heathrow Airport, do get in touch.
Dogs should be seized to stop hare coursers
The NFU has asked policing minister Nick Hurd to allow police forces to recoup kennelling costs for hare coursers’ dogs. Seizing dogs is the most effective way to prevent repeat offences, but many police forces have had to stop due to high kennelling costs.
The NFU also asked the minister to consider allowing police to enter property to search for, seize and retain a dog, and to make livestock worrying a recordable crime.
Ferry services crucial for Scotland’s island rural economy
Farming and crofting is the backbone of many of Scotland’s islands and NFU Scotland is calling for the Islands (Scotland) Bill to recognise and support this through reliable and affordable ferry services.
Aging fleets and recent breakdowns have highlighted how vulnerable the service is. The NFUS has called for the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to accelerate much-needed long-term investment in vessel and port infrastructure.
NFU Scotland’s John Dickson said: “This investment is urgently needed to ensure that the aspirations of the Islands Bill can be delivered.”
Inheritance tax relief must target longer farm tenancies
Agricultural Property Relief (APR) from Inheritance Tax needs radical change, according to the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA).
Short-term farm tenancies are holding back progression, investment and sustainable land use, said TFA chief executive George Dunn. “APR should be abolished except in relation to land let for 10 years or more without a landlord’s break clause.
“Using changes in APR to improve the average length of term on FBTs will impact positively on the productivity, resilience and sustainability of the tenanted sector.”
Government must address Countryside Stewardship mess
Years of environmental and conservation work by farmers could be put at risk as agri-environment schemes come to an end without new agreements laid out, the industry has warned.
The NFU, CLA and TFA all called on the Government to make Countryside Stewardship fit for purpose, to enable the continued delivery of good environmental practise by farmers.
NFU deputy president Guy Smith said: “Government must give serious consideration to continued delivery of agri-environmental schemes, including the continuation of ELS and HLS agreements.”
Knight Frank publishes its Rural Report 2018
The latest edition of our Rural Report focuses on the opportunities and challenges facing rural landowners. Contributions include some of the sector’s brightest and most controversial minds, featuring exclusive interviews with Ben Goldsmith and Defra Secretary Michael Gove. Click here for more.