Somerset Branch AGM Chairman's Report 2025

As our President expressed in April, we could be forgiven for thinking that since last year’s election we have been experiencing a “broad and sustained attack”. That news of the ~10% cut to DEFRA’s farming and countryside budget was met with a sigh of relief reflects how difficult the policy environment has been since the election, and the strength of the CLA network has never been more vital.

At a national level, the CLA has continued to work tirelessly to ensure landowners’ voices are heard against the backdrop of difficult policy announcements. Possibly the most significant of which was last autumn’s inheritance tax reform. Almost a year on and the debate is far from over. The CLA continues to highlight how unhelpful the changes to APR and BPR will be to family farms, and to long-term land management practices, both of which play a key role in the delivery of food security and the enhancement of natural capital.

However, despite the March suspension of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, the announcement of continuing budget commitment to ELMS in the spring budget was welcome and many members are engaging positively with the SFI and other schemes.

Reform of the planning system remains ongoing and brings hope of unlocking future opportunities, but here in Somerset, the shortage of planning capacity within local authorities continues to stall development, diversification and housing delivery.

We are pressing for more resourcing and clarity, and remain committed to unlocking the rural economy without compromising landscape or heritage.

The CLA has been involved in policy discussions across a range of other topics, including the evolving land use framework, policy reform proposals for EPCs and MEES, changes to compulsory purchase, flood defence policies, and the abolition of the FHL tax regime to name but a few.

Locally, we have hosted several well-attended events, from policy roundtables and farm visits to county shows and festivals. I am grateful to our committee, our regional staff, and all of you who have supported our efforts with time, insight, and engagement. Your input informs national lobbying and ensures Somerset’s voice remains strong.

Looking ahead, we must continue to champion a positive vision for the countryside—one that recognises rural areas not as a problem to be managed, but as engines of growth, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage.

In uncertain times, the CLA remains a vital ally—defending our interests, shaping future policy, and helping us all adapt and thrive.

Ewen Cameron

Chairman, Somerset Branch