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Management Matters

News and views on current rural business issues.

Current Status of The Renters (Reform) Bill

The Renters (Reform) Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 17 May 2023 and sets out the UK Government’s plans to deliver on the Conservative Party’s manifesto commitment to reform the private rented sector in England. The objective of the Bill is to ensure renters have access to a secure and decent home
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Sustainable Farming Incentive Now Open for Applications

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now officially open, there is no longer a requirement to submit an expression of interest. SFI is dubbed as a bigger and more straightforward Agri-environment scheme when compared to its predecessors such as Countryside Stewardship (CS), applications are simpler and the management requirements are a lot less onerous. Agreements
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Bye Bye BPS, Hello Delinked Payments

As we all remember, the UK left the EU on the 31st January 2020 and after 47 years of membership the UK is now setting its own farm policy. In England, as part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan direct farm subsidy will end in 2027 as a direct result of the implementation of the Agriculture
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Petersfield Update 2023

We are delighted to announce the details for the Petersfield Update 2023, our annual briefing for rural practice Surveyors and agricultural valuers. The event will be on Wednesday 15th November 2023 from 0915 – 1615 at The Tithe Barn, Ditcham, Nr Petersfield GU31 5RQ. This event may qualify for up to 5 hours of CPD
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We Are Recruiting! Join the MEM Team As An Administrator/Bookkeeper

Office Administrator/Bookkeeper We are a rural estate and farm management business, with a thriving residential property letting enterprise located in beautiful countryside, situated between Basingstoke and Winchester. We pride ourselves on having a professional, friendly and enjoyable working environment. We are looking for an office administrator/bookkeeper to support our busy office environment and provide bookkeeping
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Government announces details of the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund for 2023

The Farming Investment Fund (FIF) provides grants to improve productivity and bring environmental benefits. FIF is made up of 2 separate funds: Today we’re looking at the Farming Equipment and Technology fund (FETF) which has grants available towards the cost of equipment and technology to improve: These will be split into 2 themes: The Productivity and Slurry portal can
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Lantra launches free e-learning course highlighting child safety on the farm

Farms can be wonderful places for children to grow up and many of you will have your own fond memories of doing just that. However, as farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the UK and Ireland, certain precautions need to be taken to keep children safe while they are enjoying the rural
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Increase In Government Support For Off-Grid Domestic Homes

Some good news for our tenants with oil-fired central heating. Last week the chancellor announced an increase in the alternative fuel payment to £200 for all off-grid domestic homes that use fuels such as heating oil. He has also announced a £150 payment that will be available to all non-domestic customers with a top-up for
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Meet The Moundsmere Rural Property Team

Our Rural Property Team With over 20 years experience and nestled in the heart of Hampshire, country properties are our passion. Our mother and daughter team dynamic means we treat every property as our home and understand the importance of offering unique and bespoke services to both landlord and tenants. Overall responsibilities include: Advertising Finding
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A Successful Petersfield Update 2022

Yesterday we enjoyed a successful Update organised by Jack White and Oliver Dallyn. We had some excellent talks on:- Contribution trees make to development Natural capital Agricultural law update Leisure opportunities relating to water. Agricultural funding and Transition Plan The event was held at the Tithe Barn, Ditcham, a beautiful barn and surroundings despite the
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Petersfield Update 2022 – Annual Briefing for Rural Practice Surveyors & Agricultural Valuers

Today we are delighted to share details of the Petersfield Update 2022, organised by Moundsmere’s own Jack White and Oliver Dallyn: DATE: Wednesday 16 November 2022 TIME: 0915 – 1615 LOCATION: The Tithe Barn, Ditcham, Petersfield, GU31 5RQ This event has been developed by Jack and Oliver to provide a full day of CPD for those working as
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What Every Landlord Needs to Know About Referencing Tenants

We’re sure every Landlord in the UK understands the importance of referencing. What you might not know however is how much of a difference there is between run-of-the-mill referencing practices and those undertaken by the best referencing providers. A good reference is not an expense – it is an investment. Good quality referencing is the
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Results of the ABS 2022 Winter Wheat Variety Trial

The ABS 2022 winter wheat variety trial results are now in. This year has seen the highest yield, the highest average plot yield and the earliest harvest since the very first ABS wheat variety trial in 2006. KWS Kinetic was the stand out highest yielding variety once again which it has now been in 2019,
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Updated Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations for Landlords from 1st Oct 2022

SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2022 MOUNDSMERE ESTATE MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE On 27 June 2022, the House of Commons and the House of Lords approved the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations. This means it is now law and the Regulations will come into force on 1 October 2022.  The new Regulations mean all landlords:   
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Harvest Fire Safety Precautions

For those of you harvesting some precautions you may already be taking but no harm in listing them: Alert staff to the dangers of machinery, crop and stubble fires and make sure they know what to do in the event of a fire. Have some homemade fire beaters made up and readily available – early
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Sustainable Farming Incentive Now Live – Key Details & How To Apply

The Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI) became live on 1st July 2022 and is now open for applications from all farmers and landowners who currently receive Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments in England only. What is the Sustainable Farming Incentive? The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is one of the three pillars of the new Environmental Land Management (ELM)
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A Landlord’s Guide – Right To Rent & Digitalisation of Tax

There are a couple of key changes on the cards for Landlords and Renters in 2022. We’ve summarized the main points below. Right to Rent Update Tracey Chuter MARLA & Lucy Chuter MRICS, FARLA, MAAT  COVID-19  The temporary changes to Right to Rent checks due to the pandemic end on 30th September 2022. Until then,
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Don’t Miss Out On The Council Tax Rebate!

If your property is in Council Tax Band A-D, you are entitled to £150 back towards heating costs, whatever your age. If you qualify and pay by Direct Debit, you’ll get it back automatically. If you live in an eligible property and you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, your local council
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What we’ve been working on at Moundsmere Estate Management

Moundsmere Estate Management is a multi-disciplinary rural land management advisory business, with a trained and experienced staff with over 20 years’ experience of advising farmers and landowners in Hampshire and surrounding counties. Here are some of the things we’ve been supporting clients with this year. Representing Landowners Affected by ESSO Oil Pipeline We are representing
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Carbon Offsetting – Pitfalls & Obstacles to Avoid

There is a lot of discussion in the media about offsetting carbon and possible trading of carbon credits, but please be aware of the pitfalls and obstacles. The most important steps to be taken with regard to carbon credits is to measure and understand the carbon footprint of your farm/holding. The phrase “polluter pays” is
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