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My Lords, I declare my interest as a tenant farmer. I am pleased that the Minister recognises that any strategy for multifunctional land must include strong protections for tenant farmers. That is because tenure will impact on how a farm business can engage in land use change. Currently, the design of agri-environment schemes can result in perverse incentives for landlords, including the end of tenancies. We must also ensure that government policy does not incentivise landlords to remove farming tenants in favour of solar developments, as the noble Lord, Lord Cameron, alluded to, which would undermine farming businesses and domestic food security. Has the department done any assessment on how the land use framework will impact the tenant farmers who are responsible for managing and farming 32% of England’s agricultural land, often in areas that the land use framework views as having high potential for change?
My Lords, I declare my interest as a tenant farmer. I am pleased that the Minister recognises that any strategy for multifunctional land must include strong protections for tenant farmers. That is because tenure will impact on how a farm business can engage in land use change. Currently, the design of agri-environment schemes can result in perverse incentives for landlords, including the end of tenancies. We must also ensure that government policy does not incentivise landlords to remove farming tenants in favour of solar developments, as the noble Lord, Lord Cameron, alluded to, which would undermine farming businesses and domestic food security. Has the department done any assessment on how the land use framework will impact the tenant farmers who are responsible for managing and farming 32% of England’s agricultural land, often in areas that the land use framework views as having high potential for change?
The land use framework will work in tandem with the farming road map, which very much recognises the important role that tenants play and the support that they need. One of the things we also need to really work with is looking at lengths of tenancy. Years ago they were 20 or 25 years long, and now they are down to five years. It is much more difficult for tenants to invest and look forward to a profitable future when they have such short tenancies. That is absolutely key to recognising many of the challenges faced by tenant farmers.
My Lords, I welcome the objectives for a vibrant tenanted sector set out in the road map. I draw the House’s attention to my interest as a tenant farmer. However, the Government appear to be a bit reticent still about taking the radical and necessary steps to improve the security...
My Lords, I welcome the objectives for a vibrant tenanted sector set out in the road map. I draw the House’s attention to my interest as a tenant farmer. However, the Government appear to be a bit reticent still about taking the radical and necessary steps to improve the security...
My Lords, I welcome the Minister’s comments on the Law Commission review, and the indication in the road map that the Government will support that review and act on its recommendations. It would be very helpful if the Minister could reiterate that commitment today.
My Lords, I welcome the Minister’s comments on the Law Commission review, and the indication in the road map that the Government will support that review and act on its recommendations. It would be very helpful if the Minister could reiterate that commitment today.
Lords motion to take note of the report of the Autism Act 2009 Committee on Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy (HL 205 2024-26). Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to take note of the report of the Autism Act 2009 Committee on Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy (HL 205 2024-26). Agreed to on question.
My Lords, I am delighted to introduce this important and timely debate. I thank the members of the committee for their hard work, dedication and thoughtfulness. I thank our specialist adviser, Professor Laura Crane, professor of autism studies at the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, for her...
My Lords, I am delighted to introduce this important and timely debate. I thank the members of the committee for their hard work, dedication and thoughtfulness. I thank our specialist adviser, Professor Laura Crane, professor of autism studies at the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, for her...
My Lords, I thank all participants in today’s debate. Passion, care, empathy and understanding have really shone through, and I am grateful to Members of this House. It is incredibly important that we support our autistic community.
I know that many people have thanked them, but I think it is worth...
My Lords, I thank all participants in today’s debate. Passion, care, empathy and understanding have really shone through, and I am grateful to Members of this House. It is incredibly important that we support our autistic community.
I know that many people have thanked them, but I think it is worth...
My Lords, I declare my interest as a tenant farmer. Far from there being billionaire farmers, there are a huge number of tenant farmers in the UK who pay commercial rent to farm. They are worried about fertiliser prices and input prices just as much as any other farmer. Will the Minister confirm that the vital role of the agricultural tenanted sector will be highlighted and supported in the farming road map when it is published?
My Lords, I declare my interest as a tenant farmer. Far from there being billionaire farmers, there are a huge number of tenant farmers in the UK who pay commercial rent to farm. They are worried about fertiliser prices and input prices just as much as any other farmer. Will the Minister confirm that the vital role of the agricultural tenanted sector will be highlighted and supported in the farming road map when it is published?
The tenant farming sector is critical to our rural economy. I can confirm that.
These reviews take years and years, but this is a clear and present danger now. Therefore, before the Minister sits down, will she agree to meet with me and the Tenant Farmers Association to discuss what can be done in this Bill to protect tenant farmers immediately, rather than waiting...
These reviews take years and years, but this is a clear and present danger now. Therefore, before the Minister sits down, will she agree to meet with me and the Tenant Farmers Association to discuss what can be done in this Bill to protect tenant farmers immediately, rather than waiting...
I am very grateful to the Minister for her response. As I said, I am disappointed. This is absolutely the right place to address these issues around tenant farmers. I have given very clear examples of why these amendments sit firmly in government policy and are desperately required. I look...
I am very grateful to the Minister for her response. As I said, I am disappointed. This is absolutely the right place to address these issues around tenant farmers. I have given very clear examples of why these amendments sit firmly in government policy and are desperately required. I look...
Moved by
Baroness Rock
253: After Clause 108, insert the following new Clause—
“Tenant farmers (compensation for disturbance following change of use for farm business tenancies let under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995)
In the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, after section 21 insert—
“21A Compensation payable to the tenant for disturbance
(1) This section applies where...
Moved by
Baroness Rock
253: After Clause 108, insert the following new Clause—
“Tenant farmers (compensation for disturbance following change of use for farm business tenancies let under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995)
In the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, after section 21 insert—
“21A Compensation payable to the tenant for disturbance
(1) This section applies where...
My Lords, you will be delighted to hear that we are now in the home stretch as we debate just before midnight. I shall speak to the three
amendments standing in my name, which, unsurprisingly, deal with matters connected with agricultural tenancies. I am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady...
My Lords, you will be delighted to hear that we are now in the home stretch as we debate just before midnight. I shall speak to the three
amendments standing in my name, which, unsurprisingly, deal with matters connected with agricultural tenancies. I am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady...
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will provide guidance or support to existing county councils with council farm estates to explore placing those estates into trusts or alternative legal entities to safeguard their integrity and management continuity following their plans for local government reorganisation.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will provide guidance or support to existing county councils with council farm estates to explore placing those estates into trusts or alternative legal entities to safeguard their integrity and management continuity following their plans for local government reorganisation.
On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.
During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.
The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.
We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the abolition or restructure of county councils on council farm tenants under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, including the impact on succession rights.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the abolition or restructure of county councils on council farm tenants under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, including the impact on succession rights.
On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.
During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.
The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.
We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of local government reorganisation and the English Devolution White Paper on the future of county council-owned council farms, particularly with regard to their statutory role as smallholding authorities under the Agriculture Act 1970.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of local government reorganisation and the English Devolution White Paper on the future of county council-owned council farms, particularly with regard to their statutory role as smallholding authorities under the Agriculture Act 1970.
On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.
During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.
The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.
We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered legislative changes to allow newly formed or reorganised local authorities, including unitary and combined authorities, to be designated as smallholding authorities in order to maintain the protections provided under sections 38 and 39 of the Agriculture Act 1970.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered legislative changes to allow newly formed or reorganised local authorities, including unitary and combined authorities, to be designated as smallholding authorities in order to maintain the protections provided under sections 38 and 39 of the Agriculture Act 1970.
On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.
During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.
The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.
We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that economies of scale and the viability of council farms are maintained where county councils are reorganised; and whether they have considered placing such estates under the management of a strategic authority or consolidated trust structure.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that economies of scale and the viability of council farms are maintained where county councils are reorganised; and whether they have considered placing such estates under the management of a strategic authority or consolidated trust structure.
On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.
During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.
The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.
We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they anticipate that the number of equipped council farms is likely to fall as a result of their proposed local government reorganisation, and if so, what plans they have to ensure continued access to residential starter and progression holdings for new entrants into the...
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they anticipate that the number of equipped council farms is likely to fall as a result of their proposed local government reorganisation, and if so, what plans they have to ensure continued access to residential starter and progression holdings for new entrants into the...
On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.
During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.
The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.
We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of changes to inheritance tax rules on rural businesses and economic growth.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of changes to inheritance tax rules on rural businesses and economic growth.
My Lords, the Government have taken difficult decisions on welfare spending and on tax necessary to repair the public finances and rebuild public services. This includes measures to better target agricultural property relief and business property relief. These measures mean that, despite the difficult fiscal context, we are maintaining significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others, and that almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief and business property relief will not pay more inheritance tax. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper and draw attention to my interests as set out in the register.
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper and draw attention to my interests as set out in the register.
I thank the Minister for his Answer, but these changes are already stifling investment. A Farmers Guardian and Tenant Farmers Association joint survey reports that 55% of tenant farmers will invest less in their farms and 25% of tenant farmers expect their landlords to take back land for non-farming purposes and reduce their investment. Furthermore, over half say their mental health is suffering. They fear eviction. I have had many heartbreaking messages from farmers who fear they just cannot go on. Is the solution not to follow the recommendation in the Rock review to allow landlords letting land for eight years or more to be able to include the value of that land as part of the zero-rate threshold for inheritance tax?
I thank the Minister for his Answer, but these changes are already stifling investment. A Farmers Guardian and Tenant Farmers Association joint survey reports that 55% of tenant farmers will invest less in their farms and 25% of tenant farmers expect their landlords to take back land for non-farming purposes and reduce their investment. Furthermore, over half say their mental health is suffering. They fear eviction. I have had many heartbreaking messages from farmers who fear they just cannot go on. Is the solution not to follow the recommendation in the Rock review to allow landlords letting land for eight years or more to be able to include the value of that land as part of the zero-rate threshold for inheritance tax?
I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her question. I fully recognise that she has a great deal of expertise in this area and I pay tribute to the work that she has done, particularly on behalf of tenant farmers. I do not accept the premise of her question. I fully respect the commitment that has gone into the survey that she spoke of but do not necessarily accept its conclusions. Our commitment to tenant farmers remains steadfast, which is why we are investing £5 billion in farming over two years, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history.
I take seriously what the noble Baroness says about mental health. Mental health is of course an issue that the Government take extremely seriously, which is why we are working to improve mental health services across the country, including through plans to recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers. We fully understand the strength of feeling on this issue, and we urge people to make sure they use the correct data to prevent further inflaming the debate.