A Cumbrian MP has introduced a new bill to Parliament to protect tenant farmers who are unfairly treated by their landlords.
Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland and Lonsdale, said the bill would create a Tenant Farming Commissioner.
The commissioner’s powers could include in respect of payments under an Environmental Land Management scheme in cases where a tenant farmer has been evicted and for connected purposes.
It comes as over 60 tenants attended a meeting with the Tenant Farmers Association at Penrith Auction Mart earlier this month, with many voicing difficult conversations with landlords or some saying that they had already been served with notices to quit.
The National Farmers Union and the Tenant Farmers Association have supported the creation of a Tenant Farming Commissioner.
Mr Farron said: “Around half of our farmers in Cumbria are tenants, and their landlords range from the excellent to the far from excellent.
“This a moment where, with the Government changing from an old farm payment scheme to a new one, tenants are really vulnerable.
“Many landlords have done a good job, consulting their tenants and making sure they are fully included and that their rights are protected.
“But some have been less good. Some have not consulted their tenants, and some have evicted their tenants. Some have changed the way their business operates so that farmers can’t farm anymore.
“That’s deeply concerning and that’s why I’ve presented a bill to Parliament today to bring in a Tenant Farming Commissioner – someone who can protect tenants against those landlords who would abuse their position.”
