Cornwall Branch AGM Chairman's Report 2025
Cornwall Branch Chairman Darran Goldby delivers his Chairman's Report ahead of the 2025 AGM
Last year, we reminded ourselves that the CLA was founded in 1907 to represent rural interests during a time of political and financial uncertainty. It seems little has changed and we must continue to engage with our MPs and campaign alongside other sectors for the essential tax relief that allows businesses to continue without being unfairly and unjustly taxed.
The current government’s answer to the public finance challenge is simply a series of tax raids with little consideration of the impact.
In other areas, the target for new homes is now over 4,000 per year in Cornwall with a national target of 1.5 million in the next five years. This will have a profound effect on the countryside.
Existing legally binding targets of 30% of land being designated by 2030 will impose significant change on how the countryside is managed and how food can be produced. Ministers have just announced that 10% of farmland needs to be rewilded for habitat or planted with trees to meet climate change targets.
It is difficult to comprehend how these challenges can be met whilst we continue in the vital role of food production and economic growth that support our vibrant rural communities.
The Cornwall Committee meets regularly to review policy and topical issues affecting our businesses and communities. Our opinions and experiences on many items including; inheritance tax, EPCs, renters rights, national insurance, agri-environment schemes, rights of way, trespass, rural crime, flood management, emissions and slurry regulations are collated.
This detail is then taken forward to the regional committee, national council and lobbied at Westminster on behalf of the membership. Thank you to the Cornwall Committee for engaging so positively at our meetings and for giving up their time.
I would also like to thank Ann Maidment, Jonathan Roberts and the CLA regional team for doing an excellent job over the past twelve months and for such a strong presence at the Royal Cornwall Show.
It is wonderful to be holding this year’s Annual General Meeting at Trelowarren. We are indebted to our National President Victoria Vyvan for her commitment to the role and for offering to host us all at such a superb venue.