Lloyds Bank has confirmed it will provide tailored support to farming businesses as the UK experiences its fifth heatwave of the year. The bank, which describes itself as "the UK's largest lender" to the agricultural sector, will work closely with farmers to help manage short-term financial needs.
Support Options for Eligible Customers
Support for eligible customers may include working capital solutions, overdraft support, loan repayment holidays, interest rate reductions, temporary lending facilities, or wider lending arrangements. The announcement comes as prolonged dry weather puts pressure on yields, feed availability, water use, and cashflow for many farming businesses.
Lee Reeves, UK Head of Agriculture at Lloyds, said: "Prolonged dry weather is creating real challenges for many farming businesses, from pressure on yields and feed availability to water use and cashflow."
Commitment to British Agriculture
Reeves added: "As the UK's largest lenders to the agricultural sector, our specialist managers are speaking with customers across the UK to help provide tailored support, including options to manage working capital, overdraft needs, or wider lending arrangements."
"British agriculture is vital to food security and rural communities, and we remain committed to supporting farmers with the finance and expertise they need to grow and remain resilient," he said.
Climate Groups Urge Government Action
Separately, the UK's leading climate organisations have accused Labour Party prime minister Andy Burnham of "remaining silent" on the climate crisis. Green groups have written to Burnham urging him to "show leadership" and address the root causes of extreme weather.
In their letter, they write: "Without naming the cause of our rapidly changing environment, you will be unable to adequately prepare the country for the adaptations it will need to make, and the efforts needed to cut carbon emissions rapidly."
They also highlight the economic impact: "Unprecedented extreme heat is now acting as a direct brake on the UK economy – closing schools, crippling regional transport networks, and pushing an overstretched NHS to the brink."
The groups ask why Burnham has remained silent on climate change and the solutions of restoring nature and rapidly achieving net zero.
