Defra review fails to recognise the Uplands are a Special Case

Defra’s Upland Policy Review published today (10 March) fails to recognise that the South West Uplands are unique and deserve special help – according to rural champions, the CLA.

CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the report was fundamentally flawed in its assumption that hill farming could become economically viable in its own right.

“The Government’s ongoing support for the Uplands Entry Level Scheme is, of course, very welcome - but we do not see it as a long term solution to the economic hardship being seen in the hills.”

The Association said although it welcomed the pledge to establish a new rural Community Broadband Fund, the Government’s failure to differentiate between the Uplands and other parts of rural England was a mistake.

The CLA and the Commission for Rural Communities had called for a Defra Minister to be given direct responsibility for the Uplands to ensure policies were ‘Uplands proofed’ across Government. The CLA had also called for an independent group to monitor progress on Uplands policy delivery.

“Neither suggestion has been accepted in the review. The South West Uplands provide clean water, renewable energy, carbon capture, food and a wonderful variety of wildlife and landscapes so vital to our tourist industry but this report has failed to recognise that the Uplands are different from other rural areas and need specific and targeted support.”
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Mr Mortimer said that Defra had also chosen to ignore the joint request from the CLA and the CRC for national parks to have an explicit economic role, and had failed to support recommendations that planning policy should be eased to allow diversification in upland areas, and that retirement homes should be allowed on Uplands farms.

“The proposed Community Broadband Fund is certainly good news for the Uplands but it is vital the £20 million allocation is used wisely.

“Our advice is that the Government should use the money where demand can be proven and establish a series of grants for rural communities. Some of the money should also be used to create an effective toolkit to fully explain to people the benefits broadband will bring to the rural economy.”