CLA calls for decisive action on rural broadband from ministers

CLA calls for decisive action on rural broadband from ministers

The CLA has set out how ministers can provide a much needed boost to the rural economy as part of its first 100 days as a majority government.

The organisation, which represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses throughout the North, is urging ministers and MPs to take decisive action on rural broadband and reform how land is acquired for infrastructure projects.

The CLA is pressing ministers to act through the legislative programme to be announced in the Queens Speech on 27 May and the Budget Statement on 8 July.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “The Conservative election campaign set expectations for action during the first 100 days of government and rural businesses will be looking for them to deliver. We are calling for the Government to deliver on three immediate priorities.

“Too many people living and working in the rural North still suffer from poor or non-existent broadband connection. It is time for ministers to impose a Universal Service Obligation of at least 10 megabits per second on network providers for all rural homes and businesses. Ministers must end the competitive disadvantage faced by rural businesses.

“We have seen good progress in the past year towards much-needed reform of the outdated compulsory purchase system. It is now time to deliver and end the terrible uncertainty and years of business stagnation that rural firms and families currently suffer. Any policy or project announcements related to infrastructure, such as road and rail improvements, must have a commitment to compulsory purchase reform at their heart.

“As the Chancellor plans to bring forward a law to guarantee no increases in income tax, national insurance and VAT, he must not forget the discrimination faced by family businesses that have not benefitted from tax cuts. He must work with us to identify incentives that promote growth amongst these vital entrepreneurial enterprises.”