A wave of protests is expected as farmers express dissatisfaction with proposed changes to inheritance tax affecting farms valued over £1 million.
- The government reassures that the changes will impact only a small fraction of farmers, as less than 500 farms might be affected each year.
- Farming communities are concerned about threats to family-run farms and the perceived betrayal by the government.
- Transport Secretary highlights the need for food security and fair taxation while acknowledging farmers’ contributions to the economy.
- Farmers plan demonstrations to voice their frustrations, with up to 20,000 expected to convene in Westminster.
The recent announcement of reforms in inheritance tax for farms valued over £1 million has sparked significant unrest among farming communities. Many leaders within these communities have described the policy change as a betrayal to rural areas. Although a strike is not officially endorsed, the frustration among farmers is palpable. The government insists these changes will primarily affect the most affluent estates, aiming to mitigate impacts on smaller, family-run operations.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner has appealed for calm amid the outcry, stating that “the vast majority of farmers will not be affected.” According to Zeichner, Treasury estimates suggest that fewer than 500 farms annually would fall under the revised tax regime. He advises farmers to seek professional advice due to the unique circumstances of each case, reinforcing the government’s position that only the wealthier farms would bear the brunt of the changes.
Despite these assurances, farmers are planning large-scale protests, with around 20,000 individuals anticipated to gather in Westminster to voice their concerns. There have been instances of demonstrations already taking place, such as the protest outside the Welsh Labour conference, signaling the depth of discontent among the farming community.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has publicly defended the policy, arguing that it is both fair and proportionate. She reassured that the tax rate for affected farms remains substantially lower than standard inheritance tax levels. Furthermore, Haigh emphasized the government’s commitment to food security, noting that contingency plans are in place to ensure food availability remains stable.
In response to rising tensions, some farmers have suggested measures like withholding produce from retailers to emphasize the importance of domestic agriculture. However, Tom Bradshaw, representing the National Farmers’ Union, clarifies that such measures are not supported by the union, although he acknowledges the profound sense of betrayal felt by many. Bradshaw stresses that jeopardizing the very industry responsible for securing the nation’s food supply is a detrimental move and highlights the potential impact on numerous farms exceeding the £1 million valuation threshold.
Farmers continue to voice their dissatisfaction with the inheritance tax reforms, underscoring the tensions between government fiscal policy and agricultural stability.
