The Rural Bulletin: 18 January 2018

Scottish government proposes tax on land value

The Scottish National Party has announced its intentions to investigate the potential for an annual land value tax which would affect landowners and rural businesses.

The taxation would see an annual charge based on the rental value of unimproved land, without taking into account any buildings or infrastructure. 

In a report for Farmers Weekly this week, shadow rural secretary Peter Chapman said such a tax could be catastrophic for farm incomes.

New fines for households to tackle fly-tipping

New legislation could grant councils powers to fine households whose rubbish ends up in the countryside. 

As part of a consultation launched this week to crack down on fly tipping, Defra announced households found responsible for fly tipping could face fines of up to £400 if the vote is passed in Parliament. 

The consultation applies to England and Wales and will close on 26 March 2018. Give your views 

Simplified Countryside Stewardship Scheme launched

Defra has launched its new simplified Countryside Stewardship Scheme after both farmers and Defra secretary Michael Gove called the current scheme too complex.

The main changes include: Anyone who makes a valid application will be guaranteed an agreement – unlike mid and higher-tier CSS which are notoriously competitive.

There will also be quicker and easier applications, as farmers can now pick from a list of seven to 14 management options rather than the full list of 130. 

Applications are now open. Find out more

Agri-environment scheme opens in Scotland

Landowners in Scotland are being encouraged to apply for the new Agri-Environment Climate Change Scheme, which opened this week. 

The aim of the scheme is to promote and support management practices which protect and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The application window is from 17 January to 13 April. Follow the link for full guidance on the scheme.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and let farmhouses 

The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers has confirmed that, following discussion with Government officials, farmhouses which are let as part of an Agricultural Holdings Act or Farm Business Tenancy are exempt from the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

The MEES regulations will make it illegal to let residential or commercial buildings with energy efficiency ratings of G or F from April 2018.  

“This information is based on our interpretation of the regulations and only the courts can give a definitive view,” warns Kate Russell at CAAV.