Tenancy issues discussed at NFU and TFA meeting

The Deputy President of the National Farmers Union and National Chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association have met to discuss current issues affecting tenant farmers.

Talks focused on rent reviews, the implications of a recent court case involving the impact of changes in VAT on rent reviews (Mason v Boscawen), Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, the proposed Uplands Entry Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme (UELS) and the work of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) of which both organisations are members,.

After the meeting NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: "It is clear we can lobby together on these issues whether within TRIG or outside, but these matters have major structural implications for the tenanted sector and must be resolved in a sensible and pragmatic way.

"On TRIG the need for a resolution to the confusion caused by the Mason v Boscawen case on VAT and rents. This is needed urgently with the RICS reporting a further 100 arbitrators on rent reviews being appointed already this year.

"On rent reviews the problems of accuracy of figures used in budgets and the timeliness in responses to the negotiations are causing concern as farmers working in a volatile global economy seek to budget for the future. However with a practical approach by all, these problems can be overcome.


"On UELS there are grave concerns for the future viability of upland farming and we will both be making strong representations to Defra and the rural advocate on the concerns we have for the agriculture and the farming economy."

TFA National Chairman Greg Bliss said: "Tenant farmers face a set of circumstances very different to owner occupiers. Not only do they have to pay a rent on top of attempting to make a profit but restrictive tenancy terms and short lengths of lease often leave tenants with limited options. This is why the tenanted sector needs a strong representative voice.

"UELS is one such example which demonstrates the problems that can occur. Upland tenants may be excluded from entry into the scheme either because their leases are shorter than the scheme requirement of five years or because their landlords have already entered the standard Entry Level Scheme which will be a base requirement of the new scheme. We hope that working with the NFU we will be able to resolve these issues through TRIG. Policy makers need to take account of the special issues that tenant farmers face."