To consider the findings of the scrutiny task and finish group: smallholdings estate (county farms) and to recommend the report to the executive for consideration.

The Chairman presented the task and finish group report on the smallholdings estate (county farms) with the following statement:

“It is my duty here as Chairman of the task and finish group to present the general overview and scrutiny committee (GOSC) task and finish group review of the council’s smallholdings estate – referred to as the county farms.

This review is an example of the GOSC in its forward looking role which is, I believe, as important as its duty to look back and scrutinise what had already taken place.

I am sure you have read, very carefully, the results of our labours.

I would like to thank publically my fellow councillors on the task and finish group and our supporting officers: Richard Gabb, Helen Beale, George Thompson and Ben Baugh.  They have all worked very hard and with great good humour.  It has been a pleasure working with you all and I thank you for your diligent input and determined questioning.

Not everyone in Herefordshire knows about our county farms but, for a hundred years and more, they have been an important part of the county’s involvement in agriculture. However, in these straightened financial circumstances, GOSC was tasked with carrying out an in depth scrutiny of the county farms – Were they still doing their job of being a way into farming in a small way and leading to bigger farms if possible?  Were they fulfilling the core needs and priorities of the council?  Could their structure and management be improved?  And so on.  We also looked carefully at costs and returns from the county farms.

The results of our deliberations are before you.  I must also point out that about half of our county farm tenants are on lifetime or retirement tenancies which must be taken into account.  Another point is that any sales of county farms are going to cost quite a lot to market and sell and this should be considered in our deliberations.  It also has to be said that the county landholdings have increased hugely in value, with land at about £10k an acre these days. 

Remember, once an asset like county farms are sold, they are gone forever.  If any sales are made one would hope that any money gained would go towards assets that would help sustain the county in its statutory and key duties.

We must also remember that farming has been the lifeblood of Herefordshire and our county farms have been an important, if quite small by acreage, part of our agricultural heritage and daily background. 

We are also dealing with the lives and livelihoods of 45 families.  We have duties to them as well – as we have been very mindful to point out in our recommendations.

I now look forward to listening to your debate on the matter of the county farms and hope that the recommendations put before you can be sent to Cabinet for their decision.  I trust they will act wisely and only come  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38