Devon County Council is facing a significant rise in unpaid rent from tenant farmers, with over £415,000 now outstanding.
This marks an increase of nearly a third compared to the £317,000 owed just three months ago.
The spike in arrears has been partly attributed to the inclusion of a new farm that has fallen behind on payments.
The issue was discussed by the council’s Farms Estate Committee, where officers outlined the sources of the debt. Unpaid rent includes arrears left behind by former tenants, long-standing debts of more than six months, and outstanding end-of-tenancy charges.
Some tenants have agreed to payment plans, while others have been investing heavily in improving farm infrastructure, which has benefited the estate but delayed rental payments.
During the meeting, Conservative councillor Richard Chesterton, who represents Tiverton West, questioned whether the council was taking legal action against tenants who had fallen significantly behind.
Officers confirmed that solicitors had been instructed to pursue at least one case and that the council had been working with land agents to liaise with tenants and address the issue.
The committee also approved several changes to the management of the estate. A listed farmhouse and ten acres of land at East Fingle Farm in Drewsteignton will be sold, while the remaining 56 acres will be incorporated into the neighbouring Higher Fingle Farm.
In addition, New Gulliford Farm in Dawlish will soon be marketed to find new tenants after the current tenant requested an early departure.
Meanwhile, the council will assess whether any of its existing tenants wish to take on Tarrants Farm in Payhembury, where the current dairy farmer has announced plans to retire.
With farm arrears rising sharply in recent months, Devon County Council is now under pressure to manage the financial impact while continuing to support the long-term sustainability of its farming estate.
