England and Wales launch consultations on improving farm tenancy legislation

“Important changes do need to be made to the Bill to ensure farm tenants are not left out of new policy initiatives.”

The consultations will contain some radical proposals, including allowing tenants to sell their interest through tenancy assignments to assist retirement; providing tenants greater leverage over restrictive user clauses which prevent them from diversifying or entering public goods schemes and incentivising landlords to let new Farm Business Tenancies of ten years or more.

But the TFA has warned the Government’s failure to look at how the tax system can be changed to benefit tenants may hinder the sector’s progress.

Farming Minister Robert Goodwill said: “We are seeking views on how we can open up more opportunities for the next wave of tenant farmers, breathe new life into the sector and step up farming productivity.

Fit

“The policy framework for agricultural tenancies needs to be fit for the future, and I welcome all views on the proposals set out in this consultation.”

In Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said she was ‘determined to put the industry in the best possible position to thrive in the future’.

“We are urging everyone in the sector to share their views so we can gain an insight into the issues they are facing and ensure the new regulations are fit for purpose,” she added.

The deadline for responses to the consultations is July 2 2019.

Respond to the Defra consultation HERE and the Welsh Government consultation HERE.