James Evans MS for Brecon & Radnorshire is calling on the Lib Dem run Powys County Council to be transparent about their future plans for the disposal / sale of county farms and farm property owned by the council.
There was criticism (1) last year over the lack of transparency from the Lib Dems regarding their policy on County Farms, with many discussions taking place in confidential sessions, and a closed meeting took place at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
James Evans MS said:
“The Lib Dems in Powys must come clean on their plans to sell off the County Farms estate. The ongoing uncertainty is causing considerable stress and anxiety to all County Farm tenants, leaving them unable to plan and invest for their future business which could force them out of their home. Many tenants have asked me why they will not get first refusal to buy the Farm at market rate. Instead, they expect to be forced to close their businesses and leave the property vacant, leaving them with no way to raise the money from banks to buy back what is, in effect, their home.
“The whole point of these farms was to help young & new entrants get a foothold into farming. Powys’ own website states this (3). If the Lib Dems are planning to sell farms to help save the environment, they need to say that loud and clear to our farmers that they will force them of the land and put environmental protections, carbon offsetting and tree planting ahead of food security and the livelihoods of the people producing food for the nation.
“The Lib Dems must come clean with their plans for County Farms and be open and transparent with their policies.”
