COLUMN: “I want full transparency over farm sale”
In his first column since being named Plaid Cymru’s candidate for the Montgomeryshire seat at next year’s General Election, Elwyn Vaughan tackles a burning local issue.
I want full transparency and openness in relation to this matter, not only about the future of the farm estate itself but also on the principle of doing a private deal with only one company rather than giving the same opportunity for all.
This private deal, behind closed doors, is an underhand way of dealing with matters. On the one hand pretending that they are not selling a farm, yet on another doing exactly that.
This is nothing more than selling the family silver bit by bit and once sold there’s nothing left.
We are well aware of the financial pressures on local government, however I fear that the administration has been blinded by the offer of money over a coherent policy and plan for the future. What this has highlighted is the lack of a coherent policy framework and clear vision for the farm estate.
One of the dangers of trying to do a hidden deal of a farm sale by Powys Council is that it sets a dangerous precedent. At a time of huge uncertainty in our farming community, when there are concerns about large corporations buying up farms for greenwashing, is it any wonder tenants and communities are worried what the council would do if one of them approached Powys with a large cheque blinding them with all sorts of worthless promises.
What causes further alarm for some is the fact that the potential purchaser has in the past held discussions with Powys about building an incinerator for household waste in the area. Would this farm, with easy access, away from houses, with plenty of buildings and flat ground be suitable for such a development?
That is why tenants are worried about the lack of transparency with these public assets. The only conclusion is the Council should freeze all sales until a clear, coherent policy framework is put in place forming the base of an implementation strategy based on the principles of openness and transparency.
The farm estate are valuable assets owned by Powys Council on behalf of our residents. It has a responsibility therefore to treat those assets with the care and responsibility they deserve.
We must move away from the culture of secrecy and grubby secret deals in Powys if we want our residents to be able to trust the authority – and that trust is already very low.
I want a positive vision for the future. One that ensures opportunities and a future for young families. One that promotes sustainable rural communities and entrepreneurial communities, and that isn’t done by undermining the viability of the farm estate. We call on the Lib Dem led Council to act accordingly.
Cllr Elwyn Vaughan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|