The nationwide ban on the movement of livestock, which is not going straight to slaughter, and has come into effect due to the confirmation of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) will affect the farming community across Cornwall, says all local authorities in the county.

"It can have a serious impact on farmers' income and the income of others whose employment or business is related to farming," said a spokesman. "This is the busiest time of the year for many farmers and the ban on moving their livestock to market is a severe blow, especially for small family farms where cash flow can be fragile at the best of times.

"Cornish councils encourage anyone who has been affected by the foot and mouth outbreak and is finding it difficult to pay their Council Tax, rent or Business Rates to get in touch as soon as possible. They will be able to help by offering practical support and advice. Anyone on a low income may be entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit. They will also be able to discuss options for special payment arrangements for those experiencing difficulties in paying their Council Tax or Business Rates."

Those concerned should contact the Revenues and Benefits Service at their local District or Borough Council Offices on the following numbers; Council Tax or Business Rates Housing Benefit or Council Tax Helpline Benefit Helpline Caradon District Council 01579 341143 01579 341198 Carrick District Council 01872 224397 01872 224780 Kerrier District Council 01209 614000 01209 614000 North Cornwall District Council 01209 893392 01208 893390 Penwith District Council 01736 336584 01736 336584 Restormel Borough Council 01726 223422 01726 223318 Other help and advice is available from the following contact points The Royal Agriculture Benevolent Institution (RABI) is a member of the Farming Help Partnership, and can provide financial support for members of the farming community that are facing hardship. Their emergency helpline number is 01865 727888 or you can download an application form from their website www.rabi.org.uk Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or look on their website at www.hmrc.gov.uk The Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) offer independent financial and debt advice and have set up helpline numbers made available especially during the FMD crisis. For Caradon (Liskeard) 01579 344444, Caradon (Saltash) 01752 845515, Carrick 01872 266736, Kerrier/Penwith 01209 215812, North Cornwall 01208 264691, Restormel 01637 851440.

More information about Foot and Mouth Disease can be found at www.defra.gov.uk or call the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.

The RSPCA Farm Animal Welfare Hotline on 0870 753 8333 has been set up to provide advice on welfare issues due to movement restrictions.

The Farm Crisis Network which provides support to the farming community-www.farminghelp.org.uk tel 07002 326326 (7am-11pm every day)