Local MP writes to family farms about Government’s new drought support package

Marie Tidball MP, the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has written to family farms based across her constituency in support of a £65 million funding boost into a new package of measures to help manage the impact of extreme dry weather.

The package forms part of a coordinated cross-government response to the drought, bringing together action on farming, water and vital infrastructure. The announcement follows the Government’s emergency response committee (COBR) this week on extreme heat, wildfires and drought, chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

It will help farmers get water to crops, keep livestock fed where grass has failed, and continue their environmental agreements without losing payments when drought makes agreed activity impossible. Farmers will also be supported to build on-farm water storage, helping farms prepare for future dry summers.

The package includes:

• More flexibility in environmental schemes, so farmers affected by drought can continue to receive payments and take practical steps to protect livestock, crops and land.
• An extra £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026, taking the total budget to £290 million and helping more farmers access support.
• Action to make it easier to build reservoirs, including reducing unnecessary barriers and updating planning guidance. Further details will be set out in an updated National Planning Policy Framework, which will be published on Monday.
• Up to £15 million for on-farm reservoirs, helping farmers store water and become more resilient to future droughts.
• Improved access to water during drought conditions, including Environment Agency support and simpler water access arrangements.

Marie Tidball MP said:

“Our farmers are bearing the brunt of the weather this summer, with this July being the driest on record for England and Wales. They are dealing with a set of challenges on an unprecedented scale.

“I’m proud of our Government and our Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, for championing our farms not only through this period, but also for boosting their resilience to increasingly extreme weather into the future.”

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said:

“I am acutely aware of the pressures exceptionally dry weather is placing on farm businesses.

“Our farmers are facing some of the toughest conditions in decades, which is why we’re stepping in with practical support to help them through these challenging conditions and build resilience for the future.

“We’ll continue working closely with farmers and our partners to respond to the impacts of the drought, while building a stronger, more resilient farming sector through our Farming Roadmap.”

The announcement follows Marie’s work on wildfire management earlier this year, including visiting Snailsden Moor, asking the Environment Minister about a cross-governmental wildfire strategy. Marie will be hosting a roundtable in Parliament in Autumn with the Environment Secretary to discuss a way forward for the wildfire strategy.