What's New

The UK Government has issued a Call for Evidence to better understand how sustainable biomass can contribute to the net zero carbon target. The closing date for responses is 15th June 2021.

The temporary measures on Right to Rent checks (introduced on 30th March 2020 to overcome the difficulties of checking documents in person) will end on 16th May 2021. From 17th May it will be necessary for landlords (or their agents) to check a prospective tenant's original documents or use the online procedure. Details are available on the GOV.UK website.

The Government is holding a further consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights for the installation, alteration and replacement of electronic communications infrastructure. This consultation looks at how to implement the proposals consulted on in August 2019 to support the deployment of 5G and extend mobile coverage. The consultation considers detailed proposals to allow masts to be erected, strengthened or increased in height using permitted development rights both on...

The RPA has published guidance on how BPS payments will be treated in the New Forest in future, following a consultation which closed in February 2021. A summary of the decision can be found on the GOV.UK website and more detail is available on the Consultation webpage. The RPA will write directly to affected parties....

The CAAV response to the DDCMS consultation Access to Land: Consultation on Changes to the Electronic Communications Code is attached.

This note summarises the key issues raised int he DBEIS consultation on changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regime for non-domestic property in England and Wales. The consultation closes on 9th June 2021.

DAERA has launched a consultation on the draft 3rd cycle River Basin Management Plan, which sets out the objectives for the management of water resources and the water environment in Northern Ireland. The environmental status of water bodies in Northern Ireland is virtually unchanged since 2015, with only 38% being at "good or better" status, against a target for 2021 of 70%. The pressure on agriculture and wastewater treatment to tackle major causes of pollution is growing. The consultation...

DAERA has published the 2020 consolidated guides to the direct payments regulations.

The papers for the Council meeting held on February 9th 2021 are attached.

This note sets out the RPA's clarified position on fencing options under the CS Capital Grant offer.

This note summarises the agricultural and other policies in the SNP 2021 Election Manifesto.

This note sets out the new permitted development right, coming into force tomorrow, 16th April 2021, for temporary structures outside pubs, cafes and historic visitor attractions in England.

DAERA has published the 2020 Total Income from Farming (TIFF) data. The full report and a press release with a summary can both be found on the DAERA website.

The Woodland Trust has published the State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2021, presenting facts and figures about the UK's native trees.

The Government has issued a Call for Evidence on improving digital connectivity for "Very Hard to Reach Premises" which currently do not have broadband connectivity at the Universal Service Obligation standard of 10Mbps. The deadline for responses is 11th June 2021 and the consultation documents can be found on the GOV.UK website. The Government is particularly keen to hear from householders and businesses - including agricultural businesses - who cannot get good connectivity and whose...

The RPA has published an April 2021 update providing an update on:Countryside Stewardship applicationsClaimsBasic Payment Scheme progressive reductionsImportant Reminders.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has published the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) progressive calculator. The calculator can be used to show how progressive reductions could affect your BPS payment for scheme years 2021 to 2024. The RPA plans to phase out Direct Payments in England from 2021 to 2027. Visit the GOV.uk website for more detail. Find guidance on using the calculator here....

DEFRA has published its forecast for Farm Business Incomes in England for 2020/21. The forecast can be downloaded from the GOV.uk website.

This note sets out the RPA's clarification of the position with regard to permission status for the submission of BPS and CS forms.

This note summarises the proposed regulations in the Scottish consultation on slurry, digestate and silage storage. The deadline for consultation responses is tomorrow, 13th April 2021.

The Government's Code of Practice for the Commercial Property Sector during the Covid-19 pandemic has been updated. A new Annex has been added which includes a template form that landlords and tenants can complete to aid negotiations over rent arrears, rent and lease terms.

The CAAV Fees Survey Report 2020 is attached.

DAERA has published guidance and a set of Frequently Asked Questions for the Environmental Farming Scheme for agreements starting on 1st January 2022.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (NISR 2021/93) revoke and replace the 2020 Regulations and come into effect on 9th April 2021.

The Government has published guidance for the new Housing Possession Mediation Service which is available to parties who are engaged in housing possession proceedings before the courts in England. The service is free to use for landlords and tenants and will be offered at the initial review before formal court proceedings commence.

This note invites members in England and Wales to submit evidence of cases where a claimant without an interest in land has been refused a discretionary disturbance payment under s.22 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1963.

This note summarises the key proposals in the consultation paper on a Northern Ireland Energy Strategy. The closing date for responses is 30th June 2021.

This note summarises the Upper Tribunal decision in Craddock v Secretary of State for Transport, which concerned a Blight Notice in connection with HS2 Phase 2A.

This note outlines the Government's Call for Evidence on commercial rent arrears and Covid measures. The closing date for responses is 4th May 2021.

The RPA has published its Spring Update with information about the Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship and Basic Payment schemes.

The Recovery Loan Scheme was launched on 6th April and will be available until 31st December 2021 to support UK businesses recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Loans, which will provided by commercial lenders, will be backed by an 80% Government guarantee and subject to an interest rate cap of 14.99%. Further information is available in the Government press release and on the British Business Bank website....

The Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 7th April. See our website note of 19th February 2021 for an explanation on the effects of the Act.

This note outlines the temporary relaxation of permitted development rights in Wales to aid the economic recovery from the pandemic.

This note introduces HS2's Crop Loss Expedited Payment Scheme.

DAERA has announced a £1.27 million fund to support sheep farmers whose businesses have been affected by the collapse in wool prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Further details on the DAERA website.

The Electrical Safety Standards Regulations now apply to existing lettings (from 1st April 2021) in England. Our briefing note of 5th June 2020 gives more detail and there is a podcast on the subject which can be downloaded free of charge from our Podcasts page. Government guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities can be found on the GOV.UK website....

The Farming Advice Service Newsletter for March 2021 can be found on the Farming Advice Service website.

This note introduces the UK Community Renewal Fund, a pre-cursor for the proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

This note reviews the Government's policy approach to housing numbers in England.

This note explains the legislative basis for a new Rural Development Support Scheme for Wales.

This note sets out the basis on which extensions to expiring HLS schemes in England may be considered.

This note outlines the proposed Tests and Trials phase of the Landscape Recovery scheme in England.

This paper is a revised and updated version of the note originally published on 29th March, setting out the emerging development of Scottish agricultural policy.

DEFRA has updated its guidance on the different the ways to submit applications, claims, documents including supporting information and evidence. The guidance applies to: BPS 2021 applicationYoung and New Farmer applicationHempDeath Certificates/ Grant of probate procedures/ Bank DetailsEntitlement TransfersLand TransfersAdding land by emailCountryside Stewardship applications and claimsEnvironmental Stewardship claims....

DEFRA has produced an article on the Farming Investment Fund, before it is launched in autumn 2021. The Fund is split in two. The lower value investment part of the fund is called the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund and the higher value investment part of the fund is called the Farming Transformation Fund. An overview of the Farming Investment Fund can be found on the DEFRA blog....

Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund: Group asset register The Government has published the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund: Group asset register form to record equipment purchases, details of current assets and details of sold assets.

This note summarises the changes to permitted development rights in England.

Northern Ireland has published An Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland for public consultation. The closing date for responses is 30th June 2021 and the consultation documents can be found here. A more detailed briefing on the Strategy will be published in due course.

A consultation has been launched on the Draft 3rd Cycle River Basin Management Plan for Northern Ireland. The closing date for responses is 30th September 2021.

DAERA is inviting applications by farmers interested in becoming Technology Demonstration Farms in two categories: Crops and Environment. Successful farms will hold group visits to demonstrate their practices to other farmers, for which they are paid £600 per visit. Further details are available on the CAFRE website.

The Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 23rd February 2021 and received Royal Assent on 30th March 2021.

Forestry England has launched a Woodland Partnership Scheme for new woodland creation in partnership with landowners. The closing date for applications is 1st June 2021 and more details are in the attached note.

The Welsh Government has published an updated rules booklet for Single Application Form (SAF) 2021.

This note explains the key provisions of the Agriculture (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/405) which provide the ground rules for the English "financial assistance" schemes, including BPS, CS and ELM.

Farmers employing seasonal labour from overseas will be able to obtain free Covid-19 testing kits if they register for the scheme by 12th April 2021. Seasonal workers will be able to quarantine on farm on their arrival in the UK. Further information if available on the GOV.UK website.

This note summarises the key points from new operational Regulations for the Basic Payment in England.

The RPA has advised that the Rural Payments system should be expected to be unavailable for scheduled maintenance from 6pm to midnight each Wednesday, except in weeks when there is a major release onto it. The foreseen major releases are: - today, 30th March - June 2nd when Rural Payments will be closed from 4pm to 7am. There will always be the occasional need for unscheduled closures of Rural Payments.

The Environment Agency and Defra are awarding £150 million to a series of projects looking at innovative flood mitigation measures. The schemes selected for funding include landscape scale natural flood mitigation schemes, property flood resilience and groundwater monitoring. Details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

The Government has announced that the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme will close on 31st March 2021 as originally announced and will not be extended for a further year, as had been proposed in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Recovery. The Green Homes Grant scheme has widely been regarded as a failure, proving to have been administratively cumbersome and delivering insufficient flexibility for property owners to choose the right improvements for their property. In...

Two new avian influenza outbreaks were confirmed over the past weekend, the first since early February. A low pathogenic strain was found in turkeys in Cheshire and a strain of H5N8 was found in a broiler flock in Staffordshire. More information is available on the GOV.UK website. Update 30/3/21: the H5N8 strain found in Staffordshire has been confirmed as highly pathogenic....

This note explains the purpose of The Valuation for Rating (Coronavirus) (England) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/398) and the new Business Rate relief package for businesses affected by the coronavirus restrictions, which have not previously been eligible to claim.

The Business Tenancies (Coronavirus) (Restriction on Forfeiture: Relevant Period) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 (NISR 2021/74) extend the period within which rights of re-entry under business leases are suspended to 30th June 2021.

The deadline for applications to the Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme has been extended to 30th September 2021, in response to concerns about the supply of some items. The deadline was originally 31st March 2021.

This note explains a current problem with the recording of changes in rotational options in Countryside Stewardship.

This note picks out some of the common themes emerging from the Scottish farming sector Climate Change reports published by the Scottish Government.

This note sets out information on the next round of Future Farming Resilience Funding.

Defra has published the latest dataset in its series on Farm Rents.

The CAAV Rent Review Movement Table, which summarises historical movements in overall rents for Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancies in England and Wales, has been updated with the latest data from DEFRA.

The Welsh Government has published an updated summary of rules on Cross Compliance: Water Protection (SMR 1) 2021, in accordance with The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 requiring all farms in Wales to protect water from pollution.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation seeking views on the decapitalisation rates to be adopted for the 2023 non-domestic rates revaluation in Wales. The consultation is accompanied by a written statement from Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Trefnydd. The deadline for the consultation is 16th June 2021....

The Government has published guidance on how to complete the Glastir Woodland Creation Plan 2021 template.

The Welsh Government has published its Compulsory Purchase Order Manual, which gives guidance to acquiring authorities on the compulsory purchase powers available to them, sets out the procedures to be followed and highlights good practice in the exercise of the powers. While intended for acquiring authorities, it is a useful reference for all practitioners advising on compulsory purchase in Wales. The Manual can be downloaded from the Welsh Government website....

The Welsh Government is consulting on draft templates for secure and standard contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. The consultation documents can be found on the Welsh Government website and the closing date for responses is 16th June 2021.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Residential Tenancies: Extension of Period of Protection from Eviction) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (WSI 2021/377 (W.118)) come into effect on 31st March 2021. They extend the period of protection from eviction for residential tenants in Wales to 30th June 2021.

This note summarises the Upper Tribunal (Tax Chamber) decision on an appeal concerning mixed use for SDLT purposes.

The Peatland Restoration Fund has opened for applications for both single year and multi-year projects for the restoration of peat soils. £22 million of funding is available and the closing date for applications is 30th September 2021. Further information on how to apply can be found on the NatureScot website....

This note summarises the Welsh Government response to its consultation on new Fitness for Human Habitation Regulations.

The Welsh Government has extended the Tenancy Saver Loan Scheme, which aims to support residential tenants to pay off rent arrears, to 30th September 2021.

The Welsh Government has published guidance for farmers and land managers and frequently asked questions providing information and templates to assist with compliance on The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 that will apply to all farms across Wales and come into force on the 1 April 2021....

This note confirms that the Government has accepted the Law Commission's recommendation that Fellows of the CAAV should be able to provide valuation reports for disposals of charity land.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is holding an inquiry into the role of permitted development rights in the planning system and their impact on local development. The closing date for submissions to the inquiry is 30th April 2021.

This note summarises the announcements made today (23rd March 2021) by HM Treasury on taxation issues.

This note summarises the key recommendations of the Environmental Audit Committee report on The Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes, which urges the Government to do more to tackle the retro-fitting necessary to improve energy efficiency in rented and owner-occupied homes in England.

DEFRA has announced that the Government is considering banning lead shot in the UK under the new chemicals regulation regime, UK REACH. As a first step it has requested an official review of the evidence of the harm caused by lead shot to the environment, wildlife and people. A public consultation on proposals will follow in due course....

The Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/154) come into force on 1st April 2021. Our website note of 18th February 2021 sets out the context to these Regulations....

The Welsh Government has published its response to its consultation on compulsory purchase reform. Many of the proposals were uncontroversial and aimed to streamline the administration of the CPO-making process. Several of the points made in the CAAV response have been taken on board, including the need to improve early engagement with affected parties and to budget properly for the cost of professional advice for that early engagement. The Welsh Government is now expected to review its...

This note explains that the Agricultural Holdings (Units of Production) (Wales) Order 2021 will apply for assessments made during the year beginning 12th September 2019.

The Government has announced that Avian Influenza restrictions, on housing measures, in Great Britain are set to be lifted on 31st March 2021. Find more detail on the GOV.uk website.

The Upper Tribunal has published its costs award in the Electronic Communications Code case, ON Tower v Green (Dale Park).

The Government has issued a Call for Evidence from those who suffer poor digital connectivity in rural and remote parts of the UK. The evidence will assist DCMS in assessing the options for improving broadband connectivity in areas where the cost has so far proved prohibitive. Further details are available on the GOV.UK website and the closing date for responses is 11th June 2021....

The Scottish Government has published The National Development Plan for Crofting, which sets out the core elements necessary to ensure that crofting continues to play an integral role in rural life, as well as delivering policy priorities for climate change mitigation and biodiversity.

Pig farmers affected by the temporary closure of an abattoir in Brechin due to Covid-19 will be eligible for Government hardship support through a new £715,000 scheme. Further details on how to apply will be announced soon.

The Government has pledged £5 billion of funding to for gigabit broadband connections to homes, GP surgeries, libraries and schools in areas suffering poor digital connectivity. The next round of Project Gigabit funding will include areas in Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Tees Valley, with local projects also happening in Dorset and Essex. Future projects will cover parts of Norfolk, Shropshire, Suffolk, Worcestershire, Hampshire and the Isle of...

This note sets out the CAAV's current understanding of the position for auctions and sales to be held after April 12th 2021 in England in compliance with Covid restrictions.

The claim window for customers with existing Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) revenue agreements has opened today (18th March 2021). The deadline for submitting your annual revenue claim without penalty is midnight on 17 May 2021. Find more detail on the GOV.uk website....

The Rural Payments Agency has opened the application window today (18 March) for farmers to claim for their 2021 payments. The application deadline is 17th May 2021. See the GOV.uk website for more detail....

The Government has published the following consultations on energy efficiency in non-domestic buildings in England and Wales:Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards: the implementation of a target of EPC Band B - this consultation considers some of the practical challenges in implementing the target of Band B for non-domestic buildingsIntroducing a performance based policy framework for large buildings over 1000 sq m - this separate consultation proposes the introduction of assessments of actual...

The Welsh Minister for Housing and Local Government has published a Written Statement on leasehold reform alongside the publication of a report investigating how leasehold operates in Wales. The Written Statement confirms that the key concerns over ground rent rises and leaseholders' interests are same in Wales as in England and that there is therefore merit in a joint approach to policy and legislation....

Scottish Forestry has launched a Small Woodlands Loan Scheme which will help to fund upfront costs for the creation of new small woodlands, such as ground preparation and fencing. Further details are available on the Scottish Forestry website.

The Welsh Government has announced that it will extend to 30th June 2021 both the ban on evictions from residential property and the requirement for landlords to serve a six month notice for possession. The necessary statutory instruments are being laid before the Senedd.

This note summarises the CAAV position on arbitration applications requesting delayed appointments.

This note sets out the new website by the Central Office for Public Interest (COPI), publishing individual property's air quality estimates.

This note summarises the changes made from the Agriculture Act 2021 to tenancy succession under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 for England and Wales.

This note summarises a costs order by the Upper Tribunal in EE and H3G v Aviva Investors Ground Rent Holdco Ltd. It sets out some of the reasonable costs which the Tribunal expects operators to meet.

This note summarises the key provisions of the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021.

The Scottish Government has published a consultation on proposal to allow community groups to develop Local Place Plans which would be linked to the development plan system. The consultation documents can be found on the Scottish Government website. The closing date for responses is 25th June 2021.

The Welsh Government has published a new edition of its Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development for Wales, which is intended for use by planning authorities and operators to support the roll out and upgrading of telecommunications infrastructure.

The CAAV has submitted the attached paper to the Government, arguing that the Super Deduction capital allowance announced in the March 2021 Budget should be available to all businesses and not just those which are incorporated.

The Northern Ireland Department of Finance has announced further grants to businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The grants include: A £50,000 grant for large businesses unable to access grant funding during the first lockdownA £25,000 payment to manufacturing businesses unable to access grant funding during the first lockdown; andTop-up payments of £5,000 and £10,000 for businesses which received grants during the first lockdown but are not eligible for one of the current...

The Scottish Government has published the Agricultural Wages Guide for Workers and Employers 2021, setting the wages to be paid to agricultural workers.

The 2021 edition of the CAAV Northern Ireland Agricultural Lease is attached. The adaptation of this template to suit the parties is a matter for the professional judgment of the valuer for which the CAAV can accept no liability.

The 2021 template for the Northern Ireland Conacre Agreement is attached. The adaptation of this template is a matter for the professional judgment of the valuer for which the CAAV can accept no liability.

This note sets out the Sustainable Farming Incentive Pilot, now open for Expressions of Interest. DEFRA's Sustainable Farming Incentive Pilot Advisor Pack is attached.

The note sets out the advice from Rural Payments Wales on the deadline for the Glastir Small Grants Water Scheme.

This note sets out the key features of the new Covid-19 income support payments for Northern Ireland farmers producing pigs, poultry and organic milk.

The Scottish Government has announced that farm inspections will shortly recommence. Inspectors will contact farmers and crofters prior to an inspection to discuss how the visit will proceed. Further detail is on the Rural Payments and Services website.

The Government has announced a £2.7 million Local Authority Treescapes Fund for local authorities to encourage tree planting in locations outside woods, including along footpaths and river banks and in areas of green open space. Local authorities will be encouraged to work with landowners and environmental charities to deliver tree planting projects.

This note explains the interaction between Countryside Stewardship and Conditional Exemption from Inheritance Tax.

The attached letter and flyer invite CAAV members to a webinar on the Future of Shooting on 22nd March 2021.

The Government has announced that the ban on evictions from commercial property in England is extended to 30th June 2021. For residential property, the six month notice period and the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions are both extended to 31st May 2021.

This note offers on initial briefing on the DEFRA consultation on a draft statement of environmental principles. The consultation closes on 2nd June 2021 and the consultation documents can be found on the DEFRA consultation website.

Rural Payments and Services has issued a reminder that the deadline for claims to the Sustainable Agricultural Capital Grant scheme is 31st March. Details are on the Rural Payments and Services website.

This note explains the pilots for the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

DEFRA has published its policy paper on the pilot for the Sustainable Farming Incentive. More briefing will be available soon.

The Rural Payments Agency has published the land use codes to use when declaring land in a rural payments application (like the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Countryside Stewardship (CS)). See the GOV.uk website for details.

The protection of business tenants from eviction in Wales is extended until 30th June 2021 by The Business Tenancies (Extension of Protection from Forfeiture etc.) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 (WSI 2021/253 (W.66)

The Scottish Government has announced that the 31st March deadline for applications to the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund and the Private Rent Sector Landlord Covid-19 Loan Support has been extended - although it is not clear when the loan schemes will now close. Details are available on the Scottish Government website....

The 2nd round of Green Challenge Recovery Fund for nature restoration projects opened on 9th March to applications from environmental charities and their partners. Expressions of interest for grants between £250,000 and £2 million must be submitted by 12 noon on 22nd March. Applications for grants of between £50,000 and £25,000 must be received by 12 noon on 14th April 2021. Further details are available on the National Lottery Heritage Fund website....

This note outlines the review of the Housing Health and Safety Review System which affects let residential property in England. A survey of landlords and agents is underway to gather data on the current regime.

This note sets out further questions raised at the English Schemes Spring Briefing webinar, with answers provided by the RPA and Natural England.

The Government has published the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Manual for 1st January 2021 agreements. The manual sets out the rules and advice for options, supplements and capital items. It can be found on the GOV.uk website.

The Government has published the manual for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Wildlife offers for 1st January 2021 agreements. The manual sets out the rules and advice for options, supplements and capital items. It can be found on the GOV.uk website.

The Scottish Government has announced a new scheme to improve 4G and 5G rollout across Scotland. The Infralink programme will identify sites on public buildings which can be used for masts and antennas and it is hoped that this will break down barriers to better connectivity. More details are available on the Scottish Government website.

This note explains the relaxation of rules on movement of machinery, plants and seeds from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

The Welsh Government has extended the temporary variation of the Land Transaction Tax threshold to 1 July 2021 so that no LTT will be paid on residential property transactions below £250,000.

The Welsh Government has announced that the business rates holiday for retail, leisure and hospitality sectors has been extended for a further 12 months. The £380m package covers businesses in qualifying sectors with rateable values up to £500k. In combination with the existing Small Business Rates Relief scheme, the relief will ensure that more than 70,000 businesses will continue to pay no rates at all in 2021-22. For more detail see the Welsh Government website....

This note sets out the way in which BPS payment reductions will be calculated in England from 2021-24.

Water UK has launched a consultation on its 2050 Vision for the Water Sector, inviting views from stakeholders on how the sector should respond to the challenges of increased demand, climate change and environmental impact. The closing date for responses is 31st March 2021.

The Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme aims to increase the production of sustainable domestic biomass by funding innovative ideas that address barriers to biomass feedstock production. It will support those who are seeking to improve productivity, through breeding, planting, cultivating and harvesting. BEIS has £4 million of competitive funding for the project development stage, with up to £200,000 of full funding available per project. Full details are available at...

This note introduces the UK Community Renewal Fund.

This note adds more information on the limits of the capital allowances "super-deduction" proposal in the Budget.

Challenged by the Farmers Union of Wales and NFU Cymru, these regulations making all Wales an NVZ with requires over spreading and recording fertilisers and manures as well as a five month slurry storage requirement and rules for slurry stores were approved by the Senedd yesterday (March 3rd) by 30 votes to 27. They take effect from 1st April, updating current NVZ rules for those already in the Welsh NVZ areas and phased in for the rest of Wales with key dates being 1st January 2023 and 1st...

This note outlines the key provisions from the 3rd March 2021 Budget.

This note is an initial briefing on HS2's approach to the expiry of its compulsory purchase powers in February 2022.

DAERA has published:2021 Guide to Land Eligibility2021 Guide to Business Change2021 Protein Crops Scheme - Q&A

The UK Government is investing £4.5 million in a full fibre broadband scheme for central Scotland as part of the UK Gigabit Programme. Further details are on the GOV.UK website.

The 2021 application window for the Scottish Agri-Environment Climate Scheme is open until 30th June 2021. Detailed information is available on the Rural Payments website. This year the scheme will supportslurry storage in priority water catchmentsimproved public accessorganic farmingprotected sites (SSSIs, SPAs and SACs)management for priority bird species and farmland waders...

The Government has launched a public consultation on its proposals to close the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme to new applications on 31st March 2022. The closing date for responses is 7th May 2021 and the consultation documents can be found on the GOV.UK website.

The Direct Payments to Farmers (Simplifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (NISR 2021/42) came into effect on 25th February 2021. They bring into effect various changes to the agricultural support schemes, including the removing of greening requirements. Further detail can be found in the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum....

DAERA has published guidance and forms for area based schemes for 2021, including:Basic Payment SchemeYoung Farmer's Payment/Regional ReserveForce Majeure and Exceptional CircumstancesIdentification numbersEstablishing a farm business with DAERA

As has been seen in previous years when May 15th, a key application date since 1993, is on a weekend, the close of applications moves to the Monday. Thus, this year’s BPS applications are to be in by May 17th. The RPA has now confirmed that: The land used in the claim to match entitlements must be at the disposal of the claimant on May 17th this year May 17th is the deadline this year for transferring entitlements for use by claimants ....

The Welsh Government has published the rules booklet for the Single Application Form (SAF) 2021.

The Welsh Government has published the National Plan 2040, setting out the 20 year development vision for Wales. A written statement has been produced from the Minister for Housing and Development, Julie James on the publication of the National Plan 2040. The plan is accompanied by a press release, stating that the plan:Focuses on growing existing urban areas and ensuring that homes, jobs and services are located in the same area;Identifies Wrexham and Deeside; Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys,...

The Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (NISR 2021/41) have been made to extend the restrictions on serving 12 weeks notice to private residential tenants to 30th September 2021, as announced on 19th February.

The Welsh Government has published the rules booklets for the Farm Business Grant, as well as guidance on how to apply using RPW online.

The Agricultural Holdings (Relinquishment and Assignation) (Application to Relevant Partnerships) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/106) come into effect on 28th February 2021.

EE has published some information on its plans to support the Shared Rural Network with 4G upgrades in locations across the UK. More detail can be seen on EE's website.

The very well attended CAAV Spring Briefing held on 24th February on this year’s English schemes with the RPA and Natural England gave the opportunity to get some questions from members answered and many more put. This note covers a few of them.

This note advises that some Verify services are to close. Those affected will be contacted directly.

This note explains how new security features affect the way in which BPS applicants use the online system.

The Direct Payments to Farmers (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (NISR 2021/40) came into force on 23rd February 2021. They enable the existing Direct Payments regime to continue.

The Scottish Parliament has passed the Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill, which will establish a framework for the development of heat networks. It is expected to take another 2 years to develop the detailed guidance and regulations to fully implement the Bill.

The Welsh Senedd has passed the Renting Homes (Wales) Amendment Bill, which will increase the minimum notice period for no-fault possessions to 6 months when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is brought fully into force. See the CAAV website note of 19th February 2021 for more detail....

DEFRA, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have published new guidance on the Habitats Regulations Assessment which a public body, statutory undertaker or other decision maker (such as a planning inspector) must carry out if a "project" or a "plan" will affect a European protected site - specifically a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protection Area (SPA) - in England or Wales....

DEFRA has launched a 3 week consultation on an interim licensing arrangement for the release of game birds on or within 500m of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protected Area (SPA). The consultation closes on 15th March 2021 and details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

This note sets out the new Water Resources Regulations 2021 for slurry and silage storage, fertiliser and manure spreading with record keeping coming into force for the whole of Wales from 1st April 2021.

The Government has published an article on the new Sustainable Farming Incentive, available on the DEFRA blog. It follows George Eustice's invitation, in his speech to the NFU Conference 2021 today, 23rd February, for farmers in England to take part in pilots of the Sustainable Farming Incentive . See our website note of 23rd February summarising George Eustice's speech....

DAERA has confirmed that the application window for the Single Application and Map Service and the Entitlement Transfer Service will open on 1st March 2021. Entitlement transfer applications will be accepted up to 4th May 2021 and the closing date for BPS and the Environmental Farming Scheme is 17th May.

George Eustice, speaking to the NFU Conference 2021 today, 23rd February 2021, invited farmers in England to take part in pilots of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, a new scheme designed to reward farmers for taking actions that will benefit the wider environment to: create greener landscapespromote cleaner air and water; and guard against environmental risks such as climate change and flooding. In the pilot, farmers will choose from a range of standards based on specific features of the...

Two Scottish letting agents have been fined £16,000 for breaches of the Code of Practice for Letting Agents. The agents acted in letting property before they had set up their new lettings business and completed the licensing requirements. Their failings were many, including failure to have proper terms of engagement and clients money handling procedures in place, but the problems were exacerbated when the tenant of a house they had let was found to be using the premises as a cannabis farm,...

The Scottish Government has made it easier for farmers to secure a £1,000 grant towards the cost of succession planning advice by removing the requirement for an Integrated Land Management Plan to be completed. Details are available on the Farming Advice Service website and online applications for funding can be made on the FAS website....

A campaign called Protect and Connect has been launched to call for a fair deal for landowners who host the electronic communications infrastructure necessary to deliver mobile and broadband connectivity across the UK. Further details can be found on the campaign website https://www.protectandconnect....

The Government has published guidance on how to apply for the Wildlife Offers under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme 2021. The deadline for applications is 30st July 2021.

The deadline for the consultation on the next phase of bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy in England has been extended to 11:45pm on the 21st April 2021. Our website note of 3rd February summarises the consultation....

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/85) come into force on 1st April 2022. They require the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland to establish and maintain a public register of persons holding a controlled interest in land. Further background can be found in the accompanying Policy Note....

This note summarises the Court of Appeal decision in Pigot v Environment Agency, which considered the balance of rights between a riparian owner operating a hydro-electric scheme in a river and the Environment Agency's powers and duties to install a fish pass and then to control the flow in the river to protect it.

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal against the Upper Tribunal's decision that land owned by Leech Homes and acquired by the Council for a bypass scheme was protected by Green Belt policies (see CAAV website note of 12th May 2020), but it upheld Leech Homes' appeal against the costs order (see website note of 7th December 2020). The Court of Appeal decision can be found on the BAILII website....

The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) (England) (No.2) Regulation 2021 (SI 2021/164) extend the period during which evictions of residential tenants in England will not be enforced to 31st March 2021.

The Northern Ireland Communities Minister has announced that the requirement to give 12 weeks notice to terminate a private tenancy has been extended to 30th September 2021 to protect renters during the pandemic.

The CAAV response to the winter 2020 DBEIS consultation Improving Home Energy Performance Through Lenders is attached.

The CAAV response to the autumn 2020 DBEIS consultation Energy Efficiency in the Private Rented Sector in England and Wales is attached.

This note summarises the changes which the Renting Homes (Wales) (Amendment) Bill will make to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, particularly in respect of notice periods.

This note introduces the 5th edition of Agricultural Valuations, which has been written by Jeremy Moody and Nick Millard. CAAV members are entitled to a discount when ordering directly from the publisher's website and details are included in the attached flyer.

This note covers the proposed rules on inspection, enforcement and publication for DEFRA's new schemes in England in 2021.

This note introduces the proposed new legislation to regulate short term accommodation in Scotland.

The RPA has become aware of an issue with the calculations in the Countryside Stewardship 2021 Mid-Tier Annex on the Capital Grants Summary Page which it is working to correct. It advises that, in the meantime, potential applicants should continue to complete the main sheets (Annex 1 and Annex 2) with their options and capital items, submitting them by replying to the RPA e-mail which contained the original annexes. The RPA affirms that this will not affect a customer’s application or claim....

The Government has published an overview of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, with links to other relevant documents and information.

The Government has just published: - a study from 2008 which considered how property values respond to coastal erosion - reports from a 2007-08 study which developed a methodology for assessing how different interest groups benefit or suffer from flood and coastal erosion risk strategies...