Landowners in the South West say the budget has delivered good news for the rural economy, with important announcements on rural broadband and reform of the compulsory purchase system.

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, says the announcements on rural broadband and reform of the compulsory purchase system will be welcomed by many businesses and people in the countryside.

CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said that the CLA had been campaigning for over a decade on the issue of superfast broadband and for the need for a Universal Service Obligation to provide greater certainty for people living and working in rural areas.

“Clearly the Chancellor has listened to our arguments and we are pleased he has committed the Government to look at introducing a Universal Service Obligation to support the delivery of broadband to the thousands of people and businesses in rural areas struggling to compete with their urban counterparts.

“A USO on broadband will ensure faster and more reliable connection for properties in rural areas, providing an important legal guarantee for consumers. It is vital that Government implements this as soon as possible to support a thriving rural economy.”

Mr. Mortimer said that while the Government’s declared intention to look at installing superfast capable satellite services was welcome news, the CLA was disappointed that there was no concrete plan for delivery set out.

“This means there will be no immediate relief for the unconnected rural firms struggling to run a modern business in the countryside. We have – and are –arguing for a voucher scheme to offer those living and working in the countryside a grant to buy alternative solutions – the quickest, fairest and most cost-effective solution,” he said.

A promised consultation on reforms to the compulsory purchase system for major infrastructure schemes came, said Mr Mortimer, at the end of a hard-fought CLA campaign to see greater fairness introduced into the system.

“The announcement in today’s Budget marks a milestone in our long-running campaign for a fairer compulsory purchase system. Again, the Chancellor has listened to our arguments and this consultation will look at the problems and the solutions that the CLA has been calling on Government to introduce.”

The key issues include earlier payment of compensation to the owners of property or land being compulsorily purchased – which would enable buildings to be replaced before the originals were lost – previously rural businesses have been faced months or even years without buildings critical to their operations, such as silage storage or milking facilities.

The consultation will also consider whether purchasing authorities – whether that is a local council or a delivery organisation – should take greater account of business disruption when proposing compensation.

“These are important changes which would make a real difference to the lives of people affected by compulsory purchase. However they are just a few of a raft of updates that are needed to bring the seriously out-dated compulsory purchase system into the 21st century, and the CLA will continue to campaign for a fairer approach,” said Mr Mortimer.