Politics News

Almost half of farmers surveyed by NFU Mutual have not yet planned how they will hand over farms to the next generation, despite proposed changes to inheritance tax taking effect in less than six months’ time.

Farmers from across the UK are preparing to drive their tractors to London on Budget day, calling for fair treatment and a secure future for British farming.

Welsh farming representatives have welcomed the cross-party House of Commons’ select committee report urging the UK government to delay its planned inheritance tax reforms.

More than 12,000 letters have been sent to local MPs in just 12 days urging them to “speak up for farming” ahead of the Autumn Budget. 

A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned that the UK government is not adequately prepared for the most severe animal disease outbreaks.

Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch once again called for the family farm tax to be scrapped and took a swipe at the chancellor’s “laundry list of excuses” ahead of the next Autumn Budget.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw appeared at the House of Lords to give evidence on how the government’s proposed changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief will affect farm businesses.

NFU has warned that rising energy costs and higher standing charges on business electricity bills are putting major pressure on the supply chain. Without action, these increases could threaten the survival of many farming businesses. 

New homes can be built quicker and with less stress if a compulsory purchase code of practice is introduced, the CLA has argued. 

Farming industry representatives responded to the remarks by farming minister Dame Angela Eagle, who said that the UK government will not U-turn on the inheritance tax plans despite recent speculations.

CLA research has shown that thousands of pubs, shops and bus routes and services have closed across rural communities in the past year alone.

MP for North East Hertfordshire, Chris Hinchliff, has proposed new ‘Contracts for Food Security’, outlining the urgent need for a radical shift in agricultural policy. He warns that years of neglect and unfair competition have left farmers struggling to survive.