The amendment means that farmers can provide accommodation for incoming agricultural workers, regardless of whether they are employed directly or self-employed.
Without it, the Bill would only allow properties to be regained for employed workers, leaving some farm businesses struggling to accommodate self-employed workers.
The NFU made the case that grounds for possession should apply even if the incoming agricultural worker is self-employed, such as a self-employed party to a share-farming arrangement, or a self-employed shepherd or dairy relief worker, and to reflect changing employment practices in the sector.
“Without this amendment, businesses could face real difficulties planning for their workforce and keeping their day-to-day operations running smoothly.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
We have spent recent weeks securing cross-party support, including at a breakfast in Westminster hosted by NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos for senior peers.
After working closely with crossbench Peer Lord Carrington to redraft the amendment, it passed by 253 votes to 150 this week,
We stand ready to work with Ministers
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “This is a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting rural businesses and ensuring housing remains available for essential workers.
“Farmers rely on being able to house their workers – including self-employed staff who play a vital role in food production. Without this amendment, businesses could face real difficulties planning for their workforce and keeping their day-to-day operations running smoothly.
“This has been an area the NFU has been working on in the background for many months, and I’d like to thank Lord Carrington for his support. It’s encouraging to see the Lords recognise how important this issue is to farming. But there is more to do.
“We hope the government will take this opportunity to reflect on the strength of support for these amendments and adopts them as part of the Bill. We stand ready to work with ministers to get this legislation right for British farming.”
Renters' Rights Bill explained
The Renters’ Rights Bill as laid before Parliament will abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions in the private rented sector. To achieve this, the Renters (Reform) Bill will end fixed-term tenancies and move to periodic tenancies, which do not have an end date.
The Bill will introduce new grounds to ensure landlords can regain possession when it is reasonable. Unless one of these grounds is met, tenants will have a right to remain in their rented property until they decide to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice to their landlord.
A list of the reformed grounds for possession the government is proposing can be found at: GOV.UK | Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill.
The Bill (or Act once in force) also intends to introduce a number of other provisions including:
- A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman which landlords must join as well as a Private Rented Sector Database.
- A limit on frequency of rent increases – rent increases will be limited to once per year giving two months’ notice.
- A limit on the amount of rent – rents must be in line with a market rent – the price that would be achieved if the property was a newly advertised let.
- Give tenants a right to request a pet in the property which a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. A landlord can insist that the tenant takes out adequate insurance to cover damage caused by their pet.
- Make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
- All tenancies to be subject to the Decent Homes Standard.
Next steps
While this vote does not mean the amendment is yet law, it marks a major step forward in making sure the final Bill takes into account the real-world needs of farming businesses.
The Bill will now return to the House of Commons for MPs to consider the Lords’ changes. The NFU will continue to engage with MPs and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure the needs of farming communities are reflected in the final law.
