Keep it in the family, says CLA

CLA - Country Land and Business Association Limited logo

The Government must end unfairness against small family businesses if it is to make the countryside more productive.

That’s the message from the CLA to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee on behalf of local landowners, farmers and other rural businesses.

The committee is gathering evidence on the Government’s Productivity Plan announced in July and will be calling witnesses and making recommendations to Government later in the year.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “We are becoming increasingly worried that the unincorporated family business has been forgotten by government. This is a concern because farmers and other landowning businesses in the North are often unincorporated.

“They operate under a taxation regime that is more complex and costly compared to large and small corporations. Above all they will not benefit from the planned cuts in corporation tax.

“We ask MPs to add their voice to our call for a full review that ends this unfairness and promotes growth and investment amongst these important businesses.”

The CLA submission to the committee also sets out views on the need for a more ambitious programme in extending broadband and mobile coverage and the importance of an effective planning system in encouraging development.