Political pair demand stop to farm tax

TWO LOCAL politicians are calling on the UK Labour Government to reverse its decision to impose a ‘Family Farm Tax’.

In advance of her Budget due on 26 November, Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, setting out their concerns at how it is impacting farming families locally.

And they have revealed that farmers, and others working in the rural economy locally, have shared with them the impact of the changes on them and their families.

Mr Mundell said: “Over recent months, many local farmers and others in the rural economy have spoken to us about the effect the Family Farm Tax is already having on the real and personal decisions they face about their land, families, and future.

“Craig and I have spoken with some who have put off buying machinery or repairing buildings because the future feels too uncertain. Others have delayed passing on the farm, unsure what financial position their families would face.

“That’s why we have now written to the Chancellor highlighting the concerns shared with us by local farming families and urging her to change course and restore the historic reliefs needed for them to continue to put food on our plates.”

Mr Hoy added: “Farmers and farm workers sustain more than their own livelihoods. Their work keeps food on people’s tables, supports local businesses, and helps hold rural Scotland together.

“Farming has never been easy, and few expect it to be, but the current situation has made it harder still. The recent changes to agricultural property reliefs are putting too much pressure on families who have always done their part to keep the land productive and the community strong.

“David and I have set out a number of demands for the Chancellor, including reversing the Family Farm Tax and restoring full relief for working farms and committing to maintain these reliefs now and into the future, giving families the certainty to plan succession.”