CLA members meeting Hexham MP Joe Morris
CLA North members, along with CLA Communications Manager Henk Geertsema met with Hexham MP Joe Morris at Hexham Auction Mart on 27 May to discuss rural matters in the constituency.The meeting took place directly after Joe had accompanied MP Wes Streeting on a farm visit in the constituency, and took place in the Mart's Boardroom.
The discussion covered a wide variety of topics (mainly stated as challenges and economic growth inhibitors), including:
* Current energy & fertiliser concerns given the war in the Middle East
* Food security & farming support (SFI & Stewardship) + farm and rural business profitability
* Operational and cost challenges resulting from regulations (eg. livestock transportation regulations)
* Renters Right’s Act, Minimum Energy Standards / Energy concerning tenanted properties, especially if they are Grade II listed)
* Minimum wage, Employment Rights Bill; Business Rates / and the VAO (inclusive of APR & BPR and the impacts on family businesses)
* The Planning system & diversification – and permitted development rights
No doubt there will be future discussions (and hopefully some resolutions / solutions) to enable economic growth in rural areas.
Special thanks to Emilia Mark from Joe’s office in helping to organise this meeting.
