Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED 1. To approve the proposal to go out to consultation on the draft Farm Estate Policy (Appendix A).
Apologies for absence were received from County Councillors A Williams and A W Davies.
There were no declarations of interest reported.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED 1. To approve the proposal to go out to consultation on the draft Farm Estate Policy (Appendix A).
Cabinet considered the Farm Estate Policy – Supporting Sustainable Rural Futures report. The Leader & Cabinet Member for People Performance Partnerships, County Councillor J Berriman, introduced the draft Farm Estate Policy, noting it was intended to replace the 2018 version and respond to concerns raised by Full Council in July 2025. These concerns included unease over the sale of farm estate assets and a request to defer further sales until the policy had been reviewed. It was explained that a Farm Estate Advisory Group (FEAG) had been established reporting directly to Cabinet with a view to assist in matters relating to the farm estate. The draft policy presented had already incorporated feedback from the Chair and Vice Chair of the group and from the full FEAG when it met on the 30th of July. The Leader advised that meetings with Farming Unions and tenants association have already been scheduled to ensure broad engagement on the draft policy It was emphasised that the policy was not solely about farms or tenant farmers, who represent only 0.2% of Powys’s population, but about the strategic use of land assets to support all residents. The farm estate contributes significantly to the Council’s capital and revenue, helping to fund statutory services such as social care and education which make up the lion's share of expenditure. Reducing borrowing through positive asset management directly impacts council tax levels. The estate’s potential role in addressing climate and nature emergencies was highlighted. Under the current policy, the Council had limited influence over how land is farmed during tenancies. The new policy aimed to promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices, including water management and diversification into horticulture to support local food networks. It was acknowledged that while the 2018 policy aspired to reinvest 10% of capital receipts into the estate, this had not been achieved by the last Administration and current financial policy requires all asset receipts to be returned to the corporate centre. The proposed approach would consider reinvestment through rental income uplifts over and above current rates being held within the service. The leader advised that the proper rationalisation of assets would need to continue with a focus on retaining productive land and disposing of liabilities such as outdated buildings requiring significant investment. County Councillor P Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, welcomed the policy’s focus on sustainable communities and long-term planning. He supported diversification and proposed the farm estate act as a testbed for innovation. He encouraged stronger integration of the Welsh language amongst farming communities and broader engagement beyond traditional lobbying groups. County Councillor S Davies, Cabinet Member for Future Generations, emphasised Powys’s central role in Wales and the importance of promoting the Welsh language. She welcomed the opportunity for wider discussion and thanked County Councillor Gary Mitchell for presenting broader written views, circulated ahead of the meeting. County Councillor J Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, supported the policy’s alignment with climate and nature emergencies. She stressed the importance of inclusive consultation, expressing concern over the initial 28-day period. She welcomed the contributions of the Farm Estate Advisory Group and sought assurance that their feedback would be incorporated into the consultation. County Councillor R Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, highlighted the importance of engaging all Powys residents, particularly young farmers and agricultural workers. He urged participation from groups such as NFU NextGen and Young Farmers. County Councillor D Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, sought clarification regarding the reinvestment of capital receipts from farm estate sales. He noted that the 2018 policy had set a 10% reinvestment target but understood this had not been implemented. Concern was expressed about the feasibility of a proposed 50% reinvestment and requested clarity on the current policy position. The Section 151 Officer confirmed that while the 2018 farm estate policy included a 10% reinvestment aspiration, this had been overridden by the Council’s approved Capital and Treasury Management Strategy. Under current policy, all capital receipts were treated as corporate receipts and allocated through the Council’s standard capital framework. Therefore, no automatic reinvestment into the farm estate was in place. County Councillor S Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, praised the policy’s alignment with the seven well-being goals and supported outreach to underrepresented farming sectors. She noted that many farmers felt invisible and unrepresented by the Unions and suggested engaging graziers and smaller associations. County Councillor B Baynham, welcomed the consultation but expressed concern over the short timeframe. It was requested that the working group’s paper be shared with all members and supported extending the consultation to six weeks. County Councillor G Mitchell summarised the Farm Estate Advisory Group’s concerns, particularly around historic underinvestment and unclear financial models. He advocated for a structured consultation and a clear commitment to reinvestment. He also called for clarity on tenancy transitions and support for officers managing the estate. He noted the policy’s lack of long-term protection for the estate and urged consideration of mechanisms to retain and invest in the estate sustainably. Following the discussion, The Leader agreed that the consultation period be extended to a period of 6 weeks. The consultation will be supported by a structured communications plan to ensure broad engagement. The Farm Estate Advisory Group’s paper would be shared with Members. Cabinet voted unanimously and RESOLVED 1. To approve the proposal to go out to consultation on the draft Farm Estate Policy (Appendix A).
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