DEFRA Cuts: CLA gives cautious thumbs-up to savings

The Country Land and Business Association today (Wednesday 20 October) gave a cautious welcome to the latest round of the spending cuts.

CLA president William Worsley said settlements by DEFRA, DECC and DCLG showed “some good sense”, but the full impact of the cuts was still unclear.

The CLA said it was “pleased” DEFRA was reprioritising its spending to focus on food and environment – something the Association had been calling for since 2007.

On environmental stewardship, Mr Worsley said he was “delighted that the contribution to biodiversity of land owners and managers has been recognised by DEFRA maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship”.

But, he added the CLA was worried by the implication that the eligibility criteria may be restricted.

The CLA welcomed the 80% increase in Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) funding, saying this meant the scheme was now “by far the main source of funding for privately owned heritage”.

Mr Worsley also welcomed the extra funding for flood and coastal defences, but said it would not be enough.

“The Government must still work to make it easier for land owners and managers to maintain their own flood defences without having to work through the excessive regulation which currently places a heavy burden on the process.”

On rural broadband, Mr Worsley said the CLA had argued for many years that a significant amount of public sector money should be provided to roll out superfast broadband to rural areas.

“Broadband is the key to unlocking the potential of the rural economy,” he said. “With savings of some £1bn a year expected through greater online government services, it is critical that everyone has access to an adequate broadband service.”

On animal disease, he said it was good news DEFRA still intended to involve the industry in handling outbreaks of animal disease.

And on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), the CLA welcomed the £860m of funding to be introduced from 2011-12.

“The proposals for a Renewable Heat Incentive are really good news for commercial and domestic producers and consumers,” said Mr Worsley.

“Heat accounts for half of UK carbon emissions, and saving carbon through renewable heat is far cheaper than through the generation of renewable electricity.”