Budget statement needs to recognise rural business for economic growth

Measures to boost rural business in the UK are needed if the Budget Statement in July is to act as a catalyst for balanced economic growth, the CLA have said.

CLA President Henry Robinson has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to set out how the Budget Statement can deliver for the millions of people employed in the rural economy.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The Government’s Budget Statement should act as a catalyst for sustainable and balanced economic growth. However this is only possible if the Chancellor includes measures that will allow rural businesses to thrive.

“The Chancellor must deliver a Universal Service Obligation for provision of a fast and reliable broadband of at least 10 megabits per second, which will reduce the disadvantage that has strangled too many rural firms for too long.

“The Chancellor has shown leadership on the need to reform the compulsory purchase system, making it clearer and fairer for owners of rural land and property affected by major infrastructure schemes. With procurement for delivery of HS2 underway and hundreds of infrastructure projects planned around the country, thousands of rural businesses face terrible uncertainty and it is time for change.

“Rural firms are also looking to the Budget to support delivery of sustainable homes in the countryside, and to create a tax landscape that allows rural businesses to succeed and grow. The rural economy is poised to flourish and Government must make the most of this opportunity to unlock the countryside’s potential.”