News in brief

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled his March budget and, despite predictions from some quarters that Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax might be in his crosshairs, key fiscal policy affecting property sales and purchases remained untouched. Both tax policies are now frozen at their current rate until 2026, and the Stamp Duty suspension will stay in place until the end of June 2021. Carter Jonas Head of Rural, Tim Jones, said: “Major decisions – including whether to sell or pass on assets such as land and property – have been delayed by those waiting for clarity from the Government on the tax implications of such a move. Businesses will now have more confidence to make those decisions, and it will be a catalyst for some to set plans in motion.”

Landowners with youngstock to turn out in the coming days and weeks are being advised to consider public access when planning which fields to use. Covid-19 has led to a huge increase in people walking in the countryside, and a spate of incidents involving cattle with calves attacking dog walkers has prompted the warning from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Stephen Britton from the HSE has advised farmers to prioritise land with no public rights of way wherever possible.

The Trade and Agriculture Commission has just published its 22 recommendations to government on how best to advance the interests of British farmers, food producers and consumers in future trade agreements. At the core of its report is the need to strike a balance between encouraging international trade while ensuring UK farmers are not undermined by substandard imported food. It has been broadly welcomed by trade organisations, but has drawn a lukewarm response from others for prioritising trade liberalisation over outright bans on controversial production methods including chlorinated chicken and growth promoters.

Faced with rent cuts of up to 90%, the plight of landowners with telecoms masts on their property is being represented by a new campaign group.

Formed at the end of February, Protect and Connect will campaign on behalf of individuals, not-for-profit organisations, farmers, local councils, churches, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, property funds and real estate investment trusts and all other companies who own properties. It will be chaired by former MP and former Shadow Minister Anna Turley.

More than 750 farmers and farming organisations have responded to a consultation on the future of Red Tractor’s farm standards – the largest ever response to proposals from the assurance scheme. Criticism has been aimed at Red Tractor for going too far with its plans, particularly in the combinable crops sector. The body has said the proposals have to strike a balance between what consumers and retailers expect, and what is practical and meaningful on farm. The final standards for implementation in November will be published in July.

Environmental charity LEAF says a smaller-than-usual Open Farm Sunday will take place in 2021. The event has been scheduled for 27 June – slightly later than originally planned – to allow for Covid-19 restrictions to ease. “Big events may not be practical this year but if the public is surging to the countryside we would love to see hundreds of smaller events taking place,” said Annabel Shackleton from LEAF. The two-day Cereals event has also been moved to 30 June.