URL: https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1161

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: This Council recognises:   ·               That farming is the backbone of the Warwickshire economy, creating jobs, generating significant economic value, and putting food on the tables of local residents.   However, the farming industry in Warwickshire has been significantly impacted by recent changes to the inheritance tax, resulting in damaging consequences for the rural economy. ·               That the farming sector unites Warwickshire, as we have significant rural areas stretching from the North to the South of the county.  This shared heritage connects communities across the county through culture, livelihoods, and landscape, and that farming is an industry which this Council is proud to support. ·               The dedication, hard work and resilience of the National Farmers' Union, which has its HQ in Stoneleigh Park.  Their expertise on agriculture is an invaluable asset to the county, and the County Council will continue to closely work with them to develop targeted support for the farming industry. ·               That farming is central to Warwickshire’s cultural identity, from rural sports and county shows to the landscapes. These traditions bring thousands of people together each year, sustains thousands of jobs and contributes millions of pounds into the local economy. ·               That food security is both a national priority and a local responsibility, thus Warwickshire’s farming community can play a key role in ensuring local communities have access to locally grown, affordable and nutritious food, particularly for households experiencing food poverty. ·               That there is an opportunity to strengthen ties between farmers, rural communities, and local organisations to build a more resilient local food system that works for residents and supports the long-term sustainability of farming. ·               Recognises the significant spike in oil prices as a result of conflict in the Middle East and the impact this has on Warwickshire’s rural economy, particularly on the cost of heating oil and diesel ·               Notes the announcement of 16 March by the UK governrnment setting out financial support obtainable for those in rural reas dependent on heating oil through the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April 2026.   This Council resolves:   To establish a cross-party Member working group on supporting farmers and the rural economy. The group will bring forward recommendations to Cabinet covering the following areas:   ·               Using the rural support fund within the Council’s budget to benefit the farming communities in both the North and South of the county. ·               Explore how the Council engages with rural community events, including Parish Councils, District and County Councillors, farmers and others, to listen to the experiences of rural communities and identify how so the Council can best support them. ·               Evaluate actions that can be taken to endorse farmers’ markets in Warwickshire towns and across our Country Park estate, supported by the Council’s agricultural business support offer and in partnership with the Portfolio Holder for Economy to boost the rural economy. ·               Preparedness of the Council to implement the Crisis and Resilience Fund by 1 April 2026 when the Fund launches. ·               Investigate the impact of the collapse of Warwickshire Rural Community Council, including the loss of their Rural Oil Buying Syndicate on Warwickshire residents and consider whether a similar scheme could be created through the Warwickshire Rural Support Fund. ·               Establish how the Council can promote and expand the “Farm to Fork” initiative in our work building on its aim to connect residents with locally grown food, including:   o   Supporting farmers to connect with schools, food banks, and community organisations to strengthen food security across Warwickshire. o   Exploring community-supported agriculture schemes and local food partnerships that give residents a direct relationship with farms. o   Supporting farmers to develop initiatives that enable them to contribute surplus produce to those most in need, reducing food waste while supporting households facing food poverty.  

Date of Decision: March 17, 2026