Local bank closure devastating for rural businesses
The closure of Lloyds Bank in Tregaron has sparked criticism from the Farmers’ Union of Wales in Ceredigion, who describe the closure as devastating news for rural businesses. Mared Jones, the FUW’s Ceredigion County Executive Officer said: “The closure of rural banks will have a detrimental effect on the area, as they serve not only […]
Pembrokeshire businesses highlight why farming matters to rural economy
Pembrokeshire businesses have put the spotlight on the rural economy, highlighting how valuable the farming industry is to the local community, at a recent farm open day arranged by the Pembrokeshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales. The event was hosted by dairy farmer Meurig Harries and his family at Eithinman farm, Wolfscastle, Haverfordwest. […]
New plan will boost starter homes in rural areas
Villages and towns in England’s rural communities will be allowed to build starter homes for local residents as part of plans set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and Environment Secretary, Elizabeth Truss in the Government’s first ever Rural Productivity Plan. The plan, announced as latest figures show thousands of people are […]
Strong Productivity Plan for Rural Businesses, but Broadband Plans Falls Short
The Government’s Productivity Plan sets out important actions to boost rural growth, long-term investment and diversification of farm businesses but falls short of what is needed on rural broadband, says the CLA. The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, welcomes recognition that specific plans are needed for productivity within the rural economy. CLA […]
Enterprise Bill must benefit rural businesses
The CLA has called on Government to ensure the newly-announced Enterprise Bill helps rural businesses to invest and grow. The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, is responding to the Government’s commitment to include an Enterprise Bill in the Queen’s Speech on 27 May. CLA President Henry Robinson said: “We are pleased an […]
Countryside shocked by Royal Mail threat to end Universal Service Obligation
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has said the threat from the Chief Executive of Royal Mail to end its obligation to deliver and collect post six days a week would cause serious harm to those who live and work in the countryside. CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The daily post is, […]
Government plans for rural economic growth undermined by planning U-turn
The CLA today (11 July) welcomed the decision to abolish the London Borough of Islington’s Article 4 Direction – preventing the conversion of offices into homes – which contradicted Government plans to liberalise the planning rules. The organisation urged the Government to replicate this decision when considering an Article 4 Direction imposed by the Yorkshire […]
Housing crisis report launched by CLA
The organisation last night (21 January) launched Tackling the Housing Crisis in England at a packed London event, attended by MPs, peers and housing professionals, at the ICE, Westminster. Speakers Lord (Matthew) Taylor of Goss Moor and BRE Chief Executive Dr Peter Bonfield both praised the CLA’s report. Lord Taylor thanked “the CLA for raising […]
Efra report backs CLA’s concerns over barriers to rural growth
The CLA identified digital infrastructure, planning and rates, affordability of housing and access to finance as major barriers to rural growth during the Efra Select Committee hearing. CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “We are pleased the Committee listened to our concerns and we hope Defra will work more closely with other Government departments to further […]
