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Return of Sporting Rates could put you in firing line
Landowners , especially farmers , are being warned to pay careful attention when completing new questionnaires on the potential introduction of sporting rates on their properties – or risk damaging consequences .
M alcolm Taylor , a rural land management Partner at Bell Ingram , fears that supplying wrong details could come back to haunt landowners , especially if they are trying to sell a farm in the future .
Malcolm said : " Owner occupiers should take time to consider what they are being asked . The questions might seem innocuous on the face of it , but giving too much or inaccurate information might lead to future unforeseen issues . I am not suggesting giving false information but give relevant information .
" From the information we have at the moment , there seems to be no clear indication as to how individual properties will be valued . Where there is a lease and a passing rent , then there is an obvious value .
" If somebody shoots over your farm with no lease it might be prudent to have something in writing putting the onus of paying rates on the tenant .
" But beware of unintended consequences . Does your lease cover vicarious liability or make reference to roads and buildings ? Is there planning permission for the roads and tracks , and if a rate is levied for individual items will it take you over the Small Business Rates Relief threshold ?
" The assessor can also look at the " potential " to shoot and levy a rate per acre , or a rate per bird shot or consider a mix of all three . He also has to take account of all the relevant costs involved in the lease or in exercising the right to shoot ."
Following implementation of the Land Reform ( Scotland ) Act 2016 , Shootings and Deer Forests are to be entered into the valuation roll with effect from 1st April 2017 . This means that all who have the right to shoot will start paying rates on these rights .
To help the assessors calculate whether a rateable value should be applied , letters are being issued to all landowners across Scotland with a detailed questionnaire to complete and return for examination . Once processed , a rateable value will be applied , however should this be less than £ 15,000 , the business can apply for an annual 100 % exemption , and will not face any charges . Malcolm added that it is questionable how much will be generated by the rates , based on the fact that the original rates were abolished because they cost more to administer than was collected .
He added : “ Assessments will be made by April 2017 , and to avoid unnecessary appeals , everyone should try and give as accurate information as possible .
“ So the message is , if in doubt seek advice . But get it right because it could come back to haunt you in the future if you are trying to sell your farm .”
Established 117 years ago , Bell Ingram has 130 professional staff across 11 UK offices including : farm , estate and forestry managers ; chartered surveyors , estate agents , architects , planners , and building surveyors ; and tourism , GIS mapping , and renewable energy specialists .
Soil Association gives evidence at House of Lords inquiry on the impact of Brexit and agriculture
Dr Tom MacMillan , Soil Association Director of Innovation , today gave evidence to the EU Energy and Environment Sub- Committee at a House of Lords inquiry on the impact of Brexit on UK agriculture and food .
D r MacMillan emphasised the challenges already faced by farming – not only the immediate pressures on profitability and from issues such as bovine TB , but also the monumental task of meeting the UK ’ s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 % by 2050 and reverse declines in wildlife . Brexit could disrupt efforts to address these challenges if it brings new uncertainty , compromises UK standards , or puts pressure our public spending . Yet it could help our efforts if , conversely , the UK takes the opportunity raise standards and to reorient farming and land use to deliver all that the public needs and expects of it .
Dr MacMillan said : “ With 83 % of the public expecting the same or higher standards as current EU laws when it comes to protections for wildlife and wild areas after Brexit , the UK must continue to commit to being a high standards economy . It is vital not confuse the public and business ’ s shared interest in reducing paperwork with the quite different proposition , against the public interest , to lower standards .
“ Any future agricultural policy and subsidy regime must include clear objectives to support existing organic producers , and to help more farmers adopt sustainable methods so that they become the norm . Organic farmers and growers across the UK provide some of the best examples of how to farm in a way that restores soil fertility , boosts productivity , tackles climate change , improves public health , prioritises animal welfare , and reverses the decline in nature and wildlife . Consumer demand for better food is growing and the organic market remains in strong growth .
“ As the UK leaves the relative security of having guaranteed trading partners , we must stand strong when negotiating with new trade partners . Succumbing to lower standards would not only compromise opportunities for export – a focus for government – but also undermine the British public ’ s confidence in animal welfare , food safety and traceability .”
The inquiry will help inform the Government , the House and the wider public on the priorities for UK agriculture before the Brexit negotiations begin .
06 | Farming Monthly | February 2017 www . farmingmonthly . co . uk