In response to the Welsh Government consultation on local taxes for second homes and self-catering accommodation, the FUW highlighted that the impacts associated with second homes should be considered as a pan-Wales issue for the agricultural community given that 80 percent of the total agricultural land in Wales is situated in the seven counties which contain two-thirds of all second homes.

The Union proposed that the maximum council tax premium for second homes should be increased incrementally to allow for the results to be monitored year on year, and for self-catered accommodation to be available for 280 days, rather than 140, and be let for at least 140 days, rather than 70, during any 12 month period to be eligible to claim business rates.

The Welsh Government has recently announced that from April 2023, the maximum level at which Local Authorities can apply council tax premiums to second homes and long-term empty properties will be increased to 300%.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed aspects of the Welsh Governments’ consultation on planning legislation and policy for second homes and short term holiday lets, but warns that these must be enforceable.

The consultation proposed amendments to the Town and Country Planning Order 1987 to include three separate use classes for primary homes, secondary homes and short-term holiday lets, along with subsequent changes to the Town and Country Planning Order 1995 and primary legislation on how and when planning permission should be required.

The FUW expressed support for three recommendations relating to planning policy from the ‘Second Homes: Developing new policies in Wales’ report last year. Therefore, the fact that these proposals are being considered was welcomed.

i) Welsh Government to set up a Tenancy Working Group in Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that it will set up a Tenancy Working Group in Wales to explore issues and barriers the tenanted farming sector is expected to face during the transition to the future Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The new group is expected to be created following the publication of the outline of Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme in July 2022.

ii) Chile opens its doors to UK pork imports

Twenty seven UK pork processing plants have been given the green light to begin commercial exports to Chile as part of a new deal that is projected to be worth around £4 million per year for the first five years.

The deal maintains Most Favoured Nation tariffs of 6% subject to certain conditions.

iii) UK Government introduce tariffs on Russian food imports

The UK Government has introduced a 35% tariff on hundreds of Russian products including seafood, one of their biggest economies.

Russia accounts for over 40% of global whitefish production and produces over 30% and 25% of global Atlantic cod and haddock respectively.