Cornwall Council mulls farm sell-off to slash £1.2bn debt

Cornwall Council’s county farms are at risk of being sold off, with a three-month inquiry into the future of the local authority’s estate currently being held.

During a discussion in the council’s sustainable growth scrutiny committee at the end of July, cabinet member and independent councillor Tim Dwelly said those advising the council on debt reduction had told him privately that selling off the farm estate was the “number one” way to make savings.

Mr Dwelly did add, however, that he didn’t expect a “radical” plan to get rid of council farms.

See also: Powys County Council calls halt to farm sell-off

The council – run by a coalition of Liberal Democrats and independents – currently has a farms estate of just over 4,045ha, split across 85 holdings and let under about 130 agreements.  

Last year, the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) wrote to the council after receiving a significant number of complaints from tenants on issues including poorly communicated plans for the estate and a deteriorating relationship with the County Farms Team.

TFA chief executive George Dunn intends to contribute to the new review.

He told Farmers Weekly it should take a long-term view, noting that other councils such as Herefordshire and Somerset, which had sold off their farm estates, were in no better financial shape now.

“The review should not be swayed by those voices in and around the council arguing for a wholesale disposal of the estate as a quick and easy way to rid the county council of its over £1bn of debt,” he said.

Mr Dunn added that if the farms are properly managed, they are income earning assets that should continue to bring money into the local authority.

“They also provide wider benefits such as in terms of environmental management, access, opportunities for education outside the classroom, development and renewable energy,” he said.

There are mixed views among councillors over the plans, with some warning that selling the estate would undermine local farming opportunities and rural livelihoods, while others argue it could offer necessary finances in challenging economic times.