Immediate central Government action needs to be taken to improve the quality of life for dwellers and protect businesses operating in Wales’ rural communities, says NFU Cymru in its response to the Wales Office’s Rural Economy Project Consultation.
Issues regarding high fuel prices, broadband concerns and credit availability from banks for rural businesses in Wales have all been highlighted by NFU Cymru in its response to the consultation, which seeks to identify issues under the control of the Westminster Government.
Commenting on the Union’s response, NFU Cymru’s President Ed Bailey said, “For the majority of people in the countryside a car is a necessity and not a luxury, but country dwellers and businesses are facing higher than average prices in rural filling stations. A high fuel cost adds to the expense of bringing goods and raw materials into rural areas and its impact is then felt again when finished products are exported from Wales’ rural areas.”
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| Ed Bailey, NFU Cymru President |
NFU Cymru also highlighted the issues regarding the lack of rural broadband, Ed Bailey said, “So much business is now conducted online and the lack of high-speed internet access presents real problems for those living in deep rural areas. In our response we have drawn attention to the fact that some government departments insist on conducting business online, for example, HMRC insist that all businesses with a turnover of more than £100,000 have to complete VAT returns online, something which is impossible without high-speed internet access. Similarly, the requirement of farmers to notify BCMS of cattle movements within three days also presents a problem for those without broadband provision.”
Finally, NFU Cymru highlighted the ongoing difficulties experienced by some members in accessing finance from high street banks. Ed Bailey continued, “Access to bank lending is crucial to the viability of almost all businesses, especially to those in the agriculture industry. Some of our members are telling us finance is not available or is only available at prohibitive costs, which is a major barrier to on-farm expansion or on-farm improvements and this in turn has a knock on effect on the wider rural economy. NFU Cymru takes the view that it is essential for banks to continue to lend at affordable rates if the economy is to recover, a point that we have made clear in our response.”
Mr Bailey ended, “Central Government can have a bearing on all these issues and I hope they are all given serious consideration – no business should be disadvantaged because of where they choose to make a living.”
No comments have been made.