This from Helen on behalf of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Ed
The major issues dominating the rural agenda for the Island during 2016 will be broadband availability, the EU referendum, local authority finances and plans and coastal access, says CLA Isle of Wight branch chairman, Susie Sheldon.
She warns that many of the issues that face rural businesses on the mainland are exacerbated for farmers and rural businesses on the Isle of Wight, because of the added complication of having to cross the Solent.
“Transport links both to and from the Island are essential to the success of our local economy – for rural businesses that need to export their products, for the visitors that are a vital part of the Island’s tourism industry, and for individuals travelling to and from the Island daily for work.
“Both the costs and the frequency of these services are material factors in the performance of the Island’s economy, and will be a major focus and factor in the planning of rural businesses.”
Rural broadband issues
The CLA represents 33,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses, of which around 150 are based on the Island. Susie Sheldon was elected Isle of Wight branch chairman at the end of last year.
Broadband continues to be a major issue for rural businesses, with many business premises and homes on the Island still poorly served by broadband, says Susie,
“The Government’s proposals for a Universal Service Obligation for broadband of 10Mbps by the end of this Parliament is a step forward for those suffering from lack of or poor service speeds, but the CLA will continue to campaign to ensure that this essential service becomes available to all.”
EU referendum
The referendum on EU membership will be one of the most important questions facing rural areas, says Susie,
“It is important that regardless of the outcome, funding for rural communities is maintained to give rural businesses the confidence and certainty to invest and grow.”
Susie adds,
“In 2016, we may also see significant change to local government on the Island, if the devolution bid for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is successful. This bid is made by fifteen local authorities, two local enterprise partnerships and two national park authorities working together and aims to increase productivity for the whole area’s economy and public services.”
Coastal access plans
On a local level, coastal access plans will be weighing on those farmers and landowners who expect to be affected by the Marine and Coastal Access Act when it comes to planning this coastal path on the Island, says Susie,
“The CLA has raised its concerns about the costs of the implementation of this path and its impacts on rural businesses and landowners, and will continue to work with members in respect of all coastal path issues.
“As always, the CLA will be representing the interests of farmers, landowners and rural businesses in discussions with local and national Government and in Europe throughout 2016.”
