MP welcomes 300 farming riles being simplified or scrapped

South Lakes MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming Tim Farron has today welcomed the news that nearly 300 outdated and redundant rules will be scrapped or simplified.

The announcement, is part of a wider cross government initiative called the Red Tape Challenge, which, is reviewing more than 21,000 regulations and rules to see which ones can be scrapped or improved.

516 agricultural, animal health, animal welfare and forestry regulations have been reviewed as part of the Government's wider Red Tape Challenge. As a result, 156 redundant regulations will now be scrapped, while a further 134 regulations will be simplified.

Examples of some of the problems raised and measures the Government is taking:

• Farmers called for clearer guidance. The amount of guidance used by farmers will be reduced by 80%, making it easier for them and other businesses to comply with the rules. Current estimates suggest that, when completed, this will save all businesses £100m per year.
• Agricultural businesses said that data reporting obligations should be streamlined. Data reporting requirements for agricultural businesses will be reformed to remove duplicate and unnecessary requests for information. This will be completed by June next year.
• The Government was called on to proceed with reforming agricultural tenancy legislation. Agricultural tenancy legislation is being reformed to simplify and modernise the rules governing the relationship between landlord and tenants. Proposals will be made available in the spring.

Tim said; "I am extremely pleased that the Government has made another important gesture towards farmers by removing layers of unnecessary and restrictive regulation. Scrapping or streamlining 300 rules will make a big difference for farmers. This announcement will provide a much needed boost to the rural economy across the UK and particularly in Cumbria."