The CLA View

A wide range of challenges facing rural businesses were discussed at recent CLA East Branch Committee meetings, reflecting the growing pressures on CLA members across the region. Topics included planning and the National Planning Policy Framework, supply chains and farm profitability, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and wider government schemes, environmental permitting, farm tenancies, EPCs and MEES, infrastructure delivery, mobile coverage, fly tipping and fuel and fertiliser prices.

Taxation was also a major concern, with inheritance tax, business rates, the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge and Visitor Levy, and the cumulative impact of multiple taxes all highlighted as threats to the viability of rural enterprises. These discussions directly inform the CLA’s lobbying work, helping us understand the real‑world impact of policy on members’ businesses and providing the evidence needed to push back on harmful or unworkable proposals. They ensure the CLA remains a practical, solution‑focused voice for rural businesses.

We recently pushed back strongly against claims by the Chancellor that landowners were blockers for development. This included engaging with the media and supporting a member who raised his concerns.

Alongside this policy work, direct member advice remains central to what we do. CLA East Regional Advisers Bee Barton-Broomhead, Juliet Stephens and Peter Ewin are on hand to support members across a wide range of issues and, where needed, can refer specialist enquiries to CLA legal, tax, land use, business and property experts in London. Members are encouraged to contact the CLA East regional office for advice.

The regional team also continues to meet regularly with Natural England, the Environment Agency, county councils, police, water companies, infrastructure providers such as National Grid and East West Rail, MPs and mayors. These meetings allow us to raise member concerns—either anonymously or directly - to resolve delays and push for answers. If you have an issue you would like raised, please let us know.

Rural businesses operate in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Rising input costs driven by global events, fly‑tipping, extreme weather, changing policy and political uncertainty, and unaffordable inheritance tax on business assets all pose significant challenges. Yet rural enterprises continue to grow food, enhance the environment, provide jobs, attract visitors and support rural communities.

The CLA will continue to champion your interests and provide support where it matters most. If you need advice or want the CLA to raise an issue on your behalf, please contact the CLA East regional office. Your insight strengthens our voice.