15 Minutes With...Charles Trotman
What does the government's new Devolution Act actually mean for rural Britain? The CLA's economics and rural business expert breaks down what it means for land managersIn this episode of '15 Minutes With...', host Jonathan Roberts is joined by the CLA's Charles Trotman to break down the UK's landmark devolution legislation - and what it means for farmers, landowners and rural businesses.
Charles explains how power will flow from Whitehall to new strategic authorities and unitary councils, why the CLA's hard-won inclusion of 'rural affairs' as a legal area of competence is a game-changer and how rural commissioners and economic boards could finally give countryside communities a genuine seat at the table.
They also debate whether devolution is a sign of government weakness, explore how Reform and Green Party gains in local elections could reshape rural policy and turn the spotlight on Wales - where a new poll reveals deep dissatisfaction with how devolution has been handled so far.
With Welsh elections imminent and a wave of political change on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment for rural Britain. Charles makes the case for why now is exactly the time to get involved - and why CLA membership has never mattered more.
Listen to the conversation in full below.