CLA Manifesto calls for the next Government to make the most of our countryside

The CLA have called on election candidates to consider the best way forward for the countryside – as set out in the CLA Manifesto for the Rural Economy.

As the General Election was called, the Association spelt out policies for a living and thriving countryside.

CLA President William Worsley said: "The next Government must rise to meet the twin challenges of securing both food production and the environmental benefits that land management provide. Protecting the EU budget must be an absolute priority and is the only way to ensure we have food on our tables and the landscape and natural environment that we all want.

The CLA President said: "Our members own and manage a vast array of different types of businesses in the countryside which create employment. It is in everyone’s interests if these businesses thrive and make a profit."

On the issue of planning, Mr Worsley said: "The planning system needs to be reformed to be positive, flexible, transparent and efficient so it can allow the growth of rural businesses on which so much of the rural economy depends.

"Despite recent Government pledges to deliver superfast broadband, one third of the country still does not have adequate access.

"The CLA calls on the next Government to ensure a speed of at least two megabits per second for every rural home and business before promising to deliver more to areas which currently have access."