An NFU delegation has held talks about the treatment of tenants on some of the largest estates in Britain.
An NFU delegation has been leading talks about tenants on some of the largest estates in Britain.
Deputy president Meurig Raymond and rural surveyor, Louise Staples, have held annual liaison meetings with key institutional landlords such as Church Commissioners, the National Trust, the Duchy of Cornwall, the MOD and the Crown Estate throughout the Spring.
As tenants around the country prepared for the latest round of rent review, a meeting with ACES (the Association of Chief Estate Surveyors) also took place.
National Trust
Mark Walsingham, head of rural surveying for the National Trust, outlined the new structure within the organisation highlighting that there were now four main areas; whole trust, operations, services and consultancy.
Tenancy issues where the main topics of discussion in particular rent reviews being carried out and new notices that have been served. It was highlighted that there were rent review negotiations being carried out by the Trust that were causing great concern to the tenants. Meurig Raymond was very pleased to hear that the National Trust is now committed to looking at which holdings may be suitable for new entrants and for progression units.
ACES
The NFU met with ACES representatives Stephen Morgan and David Russell to discuss various tenancy matters, but in particular the problems facing county farm estates. The climate of government cuts has led to many councils carrying out reviews of their estates and highlighting farms to be sold over a phased period. The NFU team stressed the importance of the farms for new entrants and as progression units in the agricultural sector, but reognised the difficulty within the sector as tenants move onto a larger unit on a private estate. It was discussed how TRIG (Tenancy Reform Industry Group) needed to look into the fiscal barriers being faced and how important it was for the document that has been drafted by ACES to assist local authorities to evaluate their asset management planning of their rural estates, should be adopted nationally.
Defence Estates
The MOD reported back to the NFU on its structural reorganisation, an asset review that is being carried out and the setting up of a tenants charter – a strategy for managing the agricultural estate. CAP reform and rent reviews were discussed, with the MOD highlighting that rents are based on obtaining a market value for rented land taking into account defence operational use.
Duchy
The Duchy of Cornwall confirmed that rent review notices had been served and the policy was to maintain a three-year cycle. The Duchy sees this as necessary, not only to discuss rent, but to help maintain a closer relationship with its tenants. All the reviews are carried out in house and the aim is always to avoid arbitration. The Duchy is carrying out reinvestment, but it will be targeted and a restructuring is taking place within some of the farms on the estate.
Church Commissioners
The Church Commissioners told the NFU that it sees it important to meet with its tenants every three years to improve relationships and understanding of issue, and to discuss the rental. The organisation is also carrying out investment, but it is up to tenants to set out a business plan for needing the investment. An issue over insurance has arisen over storm and fire damage and that clarity is needed over the responsibility between landlord and tenant. CAP reform, input cost pressures and renewables were also discussed as was the possible announcement in wildlife policy concerning TB.
Remember - Our tenant members are already entitled to a range of business guides and briefings to support them through rent reviews, and a team of legally trained advisors are available through NFU CallFirst. Call 0870 845 8458 to speak to a tenancy expert.
No comments have been made.