NFU Scotland meets MPs in London to discuss the policy’s devastating impact on family farms.
President Martin Kennedy and NFU Scotland Deputy CEO/Director of Policy Jonnie Hall, are in London for inheritance tax meetings with MPs. Today, Wednesday 29 January, the team met with Scottish MPs from all parties including a number of Scottish Labour MPs, Alistair Carmichael Convener of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and Liberal Democrat MP, as well as SNP and Conservative MPs.
Throughout these meetings, the Union emphasised the crucial need for government to consult with the agricultural industry and professional practitioners ahead of implementing its IHT changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).
The discussions came as part of an ongoing campaign from all UK Farming Unions, highlighting the catastrophic impact these taxation changes would have on family farms across the nation. While the UK Government has claimed that the majority of UK farming businesses would still receive relief due to their assets falling under the £1 million cap, NFU Scotland has disputed this. Instead, analysis of Scotland’s Farm Business Survey (FBS) suggested that only 26 per cent of Scottish farms included in the survey will fall under the £1 million relief cap, further highlighting the need for consultation.
While at Westminster, NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said:
“The announcement of proposed IHT changes have sent shock waves through the farming community, causing untold stress for many whose livelihoods depend on the very existence of their family farm.
“These devastating proposals must change to avoid the serious negative impact these outcomes would have on growth and employment in the agricultural sector, the wider rural economy and on the nation’s food security.
“Given the Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP’s comments on the proposed IHT changes on Sunday, it’s now more important than ever that we push a strong message to the UK Government and deliver the hard evidence of what this will mean for the sector, directly to government.
Last weekend, a National Day of Action was planned by NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers Union, to highlight the industry’s concern directly to government. In order to assist with clear-up efforts following destruction caused by Storm Eowyn, NFU Scotland chose to reschedule plans for this weekend, 1 and 2 February.”
In a plea to members, President Martin Kennedy added: “The UK Government think we will just go away, we will not. This weekend will show that our farmers and crofters are committed to this campaign. Please join us this weekend for planned tractor rallies and make our voice heard.”
Notes to editors:
- Image of NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy and NFU Scotland Deputy CEO/Director of Policy Jonnie Hall, in Westminster is attached.
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Contact Brooke Harwood 07823 556253