The Farms Estate Committee of Devon Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 September 2026 to review financial monitoring reports for the County Farms Estate, discuss the impact of bluetongue and drought on estate tenants, and consider matters relating to holdings and tenancies. Some of these discussions are scheduled to take place in private.

Impact Report of Bluetongue and Drought Affecting Estate Tenants

A report is scheduled to be presented concerning the impact of bluetongue and drought on tenants of the County Farms Estate. The report details how the dry summer of 2026, following a wet winter and spring, has led to a lack of grass growth and premature ripening of maize crops, making straw a scarce commodity. Many farmers are reportedly using winter forage stocks to buffer feed due to the absence of grass.

The report also highlights the significant impact of bluetongue on Devon, with over half of the confirmed cases in England and Wales occurring within the county. While direct livestock losses are an immediate concern, the longer-term effects on fertility, even in vaccinated stock, are also noted. Estate managers have been receiving calls from distressed tenants affected by both drought and bluetongue.

Support measures that have been communicated to tenants include links to government advice on bluetongue, an invitation to an NFU advisory event, and details of emergency grants from the Addington Fund, government drought support, and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, has written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the bluetongue outbreak, seeking faster testing, transparent reporting, adequate vaccine supply, financial support, and a long-term national strategy. The report suggests that the drought and bluetongue may impact tenants' cash flow and profitability over the next couple of years, and affected tenants will be encouraged to contact managing agents to discuss support empathetically on a case-by-case basis.

Revenue Monitoring 2026/27 (Month 4)

The committee is scheduled to review the County Farms Estate Revenue Monitoring Statement for the period up to month 4 of the 2026/27 financial year. The County Farms Estate is self-funded through rents and other income streams, with a consistent history of delivering a revenue surplus. The target surplus for the current year has been set at £566,000.

The report indicates that income invoiced or received to date is £519,541, with the majority of income typically invoiced later in the year. The current forecast for total income is reported as being slightly ahead of budget. A significant reduction in rent arrears has been noted, with 35% cleared in the last three months. However, a total of £309,998.64 in rent arrears remains outstanding. Payment plans are being arranged for some tenants, and efforts are underway to resolve end-of-tenancy valuations to manage arrears related to former tenants. Legal action is being pursued against some former tenants for debt recovery.

Expenditure on the revenue-funded maintenance programme is £13,636, with further orders placed. Unforeseen repair works have also been undertaken. Testing and inspection works are also being managed against their respective budgets. Tenant Right Valuation (TRV) accruals remain significant, with many end-of-tenancy valuations yet to be concluded. Expenditure on Council Tax and water charges is currently low compared to budget. The report also details planned tree surveys and quinquennial condition surveys, with budgets expected to be fully committed. Accruals for legal and professional fees are in place, reflecting ongoing litigation and valuation work. South West Norse fees are anticipated to be less than budget due to maternity leave. Overall, the forecast suggests that year-end income and expenditure levels are expected to be achieved, with the target surplus delivered.

Capital Monitoring 2026/27 (Month 4)

A report on the County Farms Estate Capital Monitoring for month 4 of the 2026/27 financial year is scheduled for review. The County Farms Estate generates capital receipts from the sale of surplus assets and seeks capital funding for essential infrastructure improvements, with a current priority on farmhouse refurbishments. The allocated capital budget for 2026/27 is £900,000, with an additional £512,083 carried forward from the previous year, making a total of £1,412,083 available.

As of month 4, £228,488 has been spent, primarily on farmhouse improvements. A further £765,281 is committed, with most expected to be spent by the year's end. The report outlines various enhancement and improvement projects, including ongoing refurbishment schemes, a new sewage treatment plant, and the replacement of a fire-damaged barn. No end-of-tenancy compensation payments are expected to be made from the capital budget in 2026/27, with these likely to be covered by the revenue budget. The capital budget is not expected to fund any land acquisitions.

The report also provides an update on capital receipts generated in the year to date, totalling £511,244 from the sale of parts of Baxters Farm and Beara Down Farm. These receipts contribute to the Corporate Capital Programme.

Holdings and Tenancies etc.

Under Part II of the agenda, which may be taken in the absence of the press and public, the committee is scheduled to consider matters relating to holdings and tenancies. This section includes two reports: Tenant's Monitoring Visits and Request for Landlord's consent for Tenants' Improvements . These items are to be considered in accordance with the Cabinet Procedure Rules and specific regulations concerning executive arrangements and access to information. The reports themselves are marked as containing exempt information, relating to the identity and financial or business affairs of tenants, and the public interest in maintaining this exemption is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosure.