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Budget: Implications for Farming Communities
04 November 2024
Lead MP
Daniel Zeichner
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
TaxationNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 66
At a Glance
Daniel Zeichner raised concerns about budget: implications for farming communities in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister for Food Security, Daniel Zeichner, opened the discussion by emphasising that food security is a national security issue. He highlighted the Government's commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities with an agricultural budget of £5 billion over the next two years, which he described as the largest ever for sustainable food production and nature recovery in Britain’s history. Additionally, £60 million was allocated to assist farmers affected by severe flooding, and £208 million was invested to protect against potential disease outbreaks threatening farming, food security, and human health.
Zeichner acknowledged the previous government's financial challenges but stated that tough decisions on tax and spending are necessary to stabilise the economy. He addressed concerns about agricultural property relief (APR), explaining that it had been used by wealthy landowners to avoid inheritance tax, leading to unfairness for smaller farms. The minister announced plans to reform APR despite criticism from some quarters.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Carmichael questioned whether family farms would still be protected under these changes, noting that agricultural property relief has been a policy for the past 40 years designed to avoid farm sales. He also challenged figures stating that only one in four farms will be affected and asked if the Government could publish data behind those claims.
Minister reply
Zeichner responded by acknowledging the history of APR but highlighted that it was not always present until 1992. He encouraged people to review the actual figures based on claim data, which reflected the 73% figure. Zeichner also addressed concerns about the ringfence around farm support for devolved regions, stating that discussions were ongoing and assurances had been made.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
Antoniazzi welcomed figures provided by the Government but expressed a desire to translate these into practical implications for family farms in her constituency. She invited the Minister to meet NFU Cymru to discuss how policies will affect farmers, particularly those in Wales.
Minister reply
Zeichner thanked Antoniazzi for her contribution and highlighted his visit to Wales as an example of the Government's commitment to farming across the UK. He emphasised that the policy aimed at protecting family farms from external buyers who might use farmland for tax evasion purposes.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Moore cited the Prime Minister's words about losing a farm being unlike other businesses and expressed dismay at measures in the Budget that farmers feel betrayed by. He questioned why the Secretary of State continues to support these measures, especially considering many farms are struggling to break even.
Minister reply
Zeichner acknowledged the honourable member’s point but responded by correcting his title from Secretary of State to Minister for Food Security. Zeichner reiterated that figures supporting their policy were published by the Treasury and were available for review. He also noted calls to include environmental land management schemes within APR, indicating a shift in how British farming is changing.
Helena Dollimore
Lab Co-op
Hastings and Rye
Question
Many farmers in my constituency of Hastings and Rye are feeling the impact of 14 years of Conservative failure. In particular, they have faced many challenges with flooding. Can the Minister tell me what steps we have taken in the Budget to protect small family farms and how we will continue to support farmers facing flooding?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend because she makes some important points. Ahead of the Budget, there were lots of predictions about what would happen. Of course, what happened is that this Government have protected the farming budget—indeed, raised it—and we are absolutely committed to paying out to farmers the £60 million they deserve for flooding. That is £60 million, of course, that was not really budgeted for by the Conservatives, as part of their £22 billion black hole.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Farmers across the United Kingdom are coping with the lingering legacy of betrayal—betrayal from the trade deals that happened under the last Government, which threw them under a bus; and betrayal from the transition from the old payment scheme to the new one, which saw many of them going bust or forced into making business decisions they would never have chosen. That legacy of betrayal is heavy, and it is why farmers in my constituency and elsewhere feel utterly disappointed by this Government’s Budget last week. Let us look first at the agricultural property relief changes. Has the Minister done an investigation into the number of farmers who are living on less than the minimum wage each year in terms of income, but have a property that will be affected by these changes? Will he also assess the impact on tenant farmers?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is a well-informed, thoughtful person, and I listen closely to what he has to say on these issues, but I do wonder sometimes about the Liberal Democrats’ approach to economics, because that £1 billion would have to come from somewhere. In terms of farm incomes, the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that many farms are very marginal. We know that, and it is complicated.
Andrew Pakes
Lab Co-op
Peterborough
Question
I put on record my thanks to farmers who have produced food for us in this country through a torrid decade. Farmers will rightly be anxious after the experiences they have had in the past few years. Does my hon. Friend agree that anxiety will only be heightened by the scaremongering from some Members of this House, and will he commit to working with hon. Members, the National Farmers Union and farmers to ensure that the positive elements around food security in this Budget are delivered?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to pay tribute to our food producers. One thing we know for sure is that we need food into the future, and farmers are essential to the future of this nation and our economy. That is why we will treat them with the utmost respect and seriousness and have a serious debate about how we transform farming.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
The National Farmers Union tweeted that farmers no longer believe Prime Minister Keir Starmer after today’s budget. What is the Prime Minister going to do practically to resolve this?
Minister reply
When we came to power a few months ago, the thing I was asked most strongly to do was provide stability for the future. Through a series of interventions over the past few months, I have tried to indicate that will exactly what we will do, whether through the environmental land management schemes or any other issues.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Question
Many farms in my constituency were under water for months after floods last year. What is the Minister doing to support those farms as they recover from last year’s horrific storms?
Minister reply
Extreme weather events have clearly become a growing challenge for us all, which is part of the reason that we are so determined to make the transition to a more environmentally friendly form of farming. Last year, a scheme was in place to help farmers. The then Government increased it; as I say, I am not sure that they exactly identified where the money was coming from, but we have identified the money.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Question
The Minister implied earlier that farmers in my constituency of Bridlington and The Wolds support this measure. They do not; they are shattered by this announcement. What is the Minister doing to address this?
Minister reply
I look forward to many more such exchanges over the Dispatch Box with the hon. Gentleman. What I said earlier was that on my many visits around the country, people consistently told me that they were concerned about how the system was being abused and how people were coming in and buying up land over their head.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Question
A few months ago, I visited my constituents Andrew and Ada, who farm in a remote north-east corner of Cumbria. Sadly, after 14 years under Conservative Governments, they are largely getting by on Ada’s pension. Will the Minister set out what support will be available to farmers such as my constituents, following last week’s Budget?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; many people in this country and many farmers in particular are struggling to get by. That is why it is very important that in this Budget we maintained the budget for the support schemes that people are getting used to.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Question
It has now been more than 10 years since devastating floods wrecked the Somerset levels and moors, causing untold damage. At the time, affected communities were told that money was no object when it came to protecting the area, but now, deep in the Budget document, there is a hint that the farming and flood defences budget might be cut. Can the Minister explain how the Government aim to protect my farmers from more flooding devastation this winter?
Minister reply
I remember those awful times very well. “Money is no object” was not something said by my party; it was said by the now Opposition, and perhaps it was not exactly the right way to put it. Extreme weather events are a challenge for all of us across the country. My colleagues and I will work with everyone to find the best ways to resolve them.
Sam Carling
Lab
North West Cambridgeshire
Question
The Minister knows lots of farmers in my constituency—and farmers are grateful for his engagement with them. Farmers’ incomes fell year on year under the Conservative Government. Will he outline what measures there are in this Budget to support farmers in North West Cambridgeshire and help the industry get back on track?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend and emphasise that the Budget includes an increase in the farming budget, which we will maintain into the future to ensure stability for long-term businesses.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Question
The Minister talks about the transition. My farmers see only a transition from family farms to the state due to low profitability in farming. How can he justify taking away 40 years of profits?
Minister reply
I remind the hon. Gentleman that the agricultural transition was embarked upon by the previous Government and we are maintaining it stably and sensibly for its full seven-year process.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Question
Farmers in my constituency raised concerns about transitioning from basic payments to ELM schemes. Will the Minister comment on what this Government will do to ensure local farms can take advantage of the increased agriculture budget?
Minister reply
We are fixing the issue of underspent budgets under the previous Government, making it possible for people to access those schemes and addressing issues like rural crime.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Will the Minister come to North Dorset to meet farmers in my constituency and explain these wonderful silver linings that he can see but none of us on the Opposition Benches can?
Minister reply
I am keen to visit farms across the country, including North Dorset. We are committed to being calm, sensible and reassuring regarding the challenges faced by farmers.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Question
Many of the farmers in my constituency have raised concerns over protecting farms and our food system from animal diseases. Will the Minister outline steps taken to protect these systems?
Minister reply
We are committed to helping with disease threats, including avian flu or bluetongue. In the Budget, we committed more than £200 million to upgrade facilities at Weybridge for future biosecurity.
North Cotswolds
Question
A 75-year-old farmer emailed me last week saying agriculture has one of the highest suicide rates and that recent announcements have destroyed everything he worked for. How would the Minister answer this?
Minister reply
I reassure the farmer that we are committed to ensuring he can hand on his farm as others have done before, and will provide proper advice.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
Question
Farmers in my constituency have expertise in water management. Will the Minister tell us how the Budget supports farmers to bring this expertise to the fore?
Minister reply
The schemes we have in place will help us work with farmers on these issues, alongside the payment of £60 million promised by the previous Government.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Question
There is deep anger in Scotland about these announcements which will be devastating for farmers. Will the Minister tell us how these announcements will increase food security and national security?
Minister reply
We are setting a stable context, and it is for the Scottish Government to determine operations but we support a stable economy in the future.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
Will the Minister set out steps he will take to ensure small family farms are protected by the Government? Additionally, will he endorse polyhalite, a fantastic crop nutrient fertiliser produced in North Yorkshire?
Minister reply
We make sure we have a strong, stable economy and I will always look at anything that can help us progress.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
Is the Minister surprised by the reaction of the farming community?
Minister reply
I understand why it is difficult but my job is to reassure and talk calmly to people.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
Young farmers in my constituency tell me one of their biggest challenges is accessing rural mental health services. Does my hon. Friend welcome the record £22 billion extra going into the NHS?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right, and the core message of the Budget is to get our finances stable so we can invest in public services that everyone needs.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
A farmer planning on passing his farm onto his son despite struggling to make ends meet. Can the Minister explain what investment will go into rural transport, and why he has set the threshold for APR so low?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady should wait a bit longer to see transport improvements. The level has been set by the Treasury based on figures we have.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Question
For 14 years, farmers in my constituency were let down and betrayed by the Conservative Government on things like the Australia and New Zealand trade deal, and repeated broken promises that saw thousands of farm businesses across the country close. Does the Minister share my assessment that they were betrayed for those 14 years?
Minister reply
I do not think it is my assessment, but that of the voters, who made it very clear.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Sam Wilson is a farmer in Ashfield. He is not a rich man; in fact, he has not drawn a wage in the past four years. Will the Minister look me in the eyes and tell me how many farmers he has spoken to in the past few months who agree with this hare-brained scheme?
Minister reply
The last farmer I spoke to over the weekend congratulated me on what we were doing.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Question
There appears to be a lot of discussion about agricultural property relief on inheritance tax today. Could the Minister confirm what percentage of the farms that claimed more than £1 million of agricultural property relief in the past two years actually received any agricultural income in the past five years?
Minister reply
I will have to go away and get the answer to that, and I will write to him.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Question
South Shropshire farmers were in touch with me over the weekend. They are up in arms about changes to APR that the Labour party told them would not happen. Will the Minister reverse this rural vandalism and back British farmers?
Minister reply
We will back British farmers, by making sure that they have a stable system in which they can flourish.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
It is extraordinary that a small number of wealthy landowners have been using agricultural property relief to avoid inheritance tax. What is more extraordinary is how the Conservatives have defended tax avoidance in the way that they have. Will my hon. Friend confirm to the farmers in my constituency and across the country that the Budget will benefit family farmers through investment in public services as well as through the agriculture proposals?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. Not only do those people seem to relish finding ways of creatively running their accounts, but some of them even take money to write columns about it.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
I declare that my husband is in agriculture and farming, and therefore I have an indirect financial interest in the topic. This Government promised that they would not raise national insurance contributions, but they have. They promised that they would not reduce agricultural property relief, but they have. They have also added a fertiliser tax and a tax on pick-up trucks as a way of compounding the misery. Has the Minister done an impact assessment on food security and food prices following the Budget, and will he publish it?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady will know that many things impact food prices. I gently suggest to the Conservatives that they might want to look more closely at food price rises over the past few years before giving us any lectures on how to manage things. I am confident about this, because I have looked at the figures issued by the Treasury on the number of claims made in the past few years, and our figures stack up.
Claire Young
Lib Dem
Thornbury and Yate
Question
I have previously raised in departmental questions that the farmers I speak to are reluctant to sign up for ELMS due to the complexity, and because they do not want to get locked into a deal when a better one might be around the corner. That may account for the £200 million underspend last year. In the Budget, the Government committed to maintaining the funding at the current level, including the underspend, but said that it would be reviewed in 2025-26 to ensure it is “affordable”. Does the Minister agree that that leaves farmers even more in the dark about their future, at a time when they are struggling to get by?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises an important point. I suspect that in the months ahead it will come out that, actually, over the last few months there has been a big uptick in the number of people making sustainable farming incentive claims. That says to me that we are now on track to make these systems work for people. I do not disagree with her that under the previous Government it was a very long painful process, but we are now making progress and we need to make it work.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Does the Minister recognise that the changes not only break the Government’s previous promises on APR to farmers, but that they will add significant burdens and costs to family farms and disincentivise food production?
Minister reply
I also wish my fellow East Anglian MP, the right hon. Lady, good luck in the coming hours. The reason we can look forward to a successful and stable future for farmers across the east of England and the rest of the country is that we have absolutely committed to stability. The reason things have had to be different is that we found—I found this in my Department, just as fellow Ministers found it in their Departments—that the situation was far worse than we had been led to believe. We had to tackle that problem.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Question
Diolch, Mr Llefarydd. As a tenant dairy farmer myself and chair of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Carmarthenshire, I perhaps understand this issue more than anybody else in the Chamber. The Government are trying to portray farming as an industry of super-wealthy landowners and that is simply not the case in Wales, let me tell them. Welsh upland farmers in mountainous and hilly areas have an average annual income of £18,600—yes, you heard correctly: £18,600. That is far below the national living wage for hours that are way beyond the average 40-hour week. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the changes to APR in Wales, where wages for farmers are so low?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that farming is very tough right across the country and very difficult in Wales. It is a devolved issue, so I will not comment on specific schemes in Wales, but I point her back to the Treasury figures that show the number of people who made claims for APR. It is relatively few, and I would say it is probably relatively few in Wales.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Question
I spent most of the past six years looking at Treasury figures and I have a great deal of sympathy for the hon. Gentleman. I fear he is a victim of a hit-and-run exercise by the Treasury on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs budget. He would do well to think about the lessons learned from the pasty tax, because if he is not careful this measure will be of a similar dimension for this Government.
Minister reply
I am very grateful for the right hon. Gentleman’s concern, but I have to say I do not agree with him.
David Chadwick
Lib Dem
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Question
Can the Minister confirm how many farms in Wales will be impacted by the changes to APR in the Budget?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. I do not think it is broken down by national area at the moment, but it is something we can go away and look at.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
I draw the attention of the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Farmers and family businesses are deeply alarmed, because an important principle on which they have relied for decades has been breached. It is obvious from the Red Book that the Chancellor will have to raise tax again in the future. Is this the end, or can farmers and small businesses expect yet more demands on death?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman says decades. I think it was in 1991 or 1992 when the current rules were introduced. I can absolutely assure him that we are now on track for a stable future. That will allow farmers in his constituency and across England to flourish.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Family farms are very often cash poor. Each time the average farm is passed from a parent to a child, the family may have to generate an extra half a million pounds. They may deal with that by trying to make each acre produce an additional £40 of profit. That could send into reverse the agricultural transition to a more nature-friendly farming approach, if they revert to more agrichemicals and intensive methods. As I asked the Minister in an Adjournment debate last week, what did he do ahead of the Budget to combat this appalling measure?
Minister reply
The hon. Member asks what we did. What we did was look at the farming budget and ensure that we protected it, to allow his constituents and constituents across the country to take part in the schemes that will support them in that important transition.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
How does the Minister reconcile his sensible acceptance of the fact that food security is vital to national security with farmland being split up and sold off, probably for development, as a result of the Budget changes?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman has raised an important point. We will be addressing it through the land use framework, which will be delivered in the next couple of months. Of course there are trade-offs. There are a range of pressures on our land, in respect of housing, food, energy and so many other things. We need to have a rational way of making those decisions, and that is exactly what we will introduce.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
Are the Minister, the Secretary of State and the Chancellor aware that so serious are the consequences of this policy that the heads of farming families in their 80s and 90s are seriously considering committing suicide before it comes into place? [Hon. Members: “Shame!”] Shame on you! [Interruption.]
Minister reply
I find it hard to respond to a question like that. I spoke earlier about using language carefully, and I would just reiterate that point.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Question
In the rural England that I am privileged to represent part of, they say that you should live as if you are going to die tomorrow and farm as if you are going to live forever. Do the Government not understand that if we inheritance-tax our farms out of existence, there will be no forever, and there will be no food from what was once the garden of England?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman is very knowledgeable about these issues. I just gently ask him to look closely at the detail and the figures, which show that the numbers are low. I do not recognise his characterisation of the future.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
According to DEFRA statistics, an average farm in England measures about 88 hectares. What assessment has the Minister made of the typical value of a farm that size?
Minister reply
The definition of a farm is complicated, making it difficult to comment on individual farms specifically. The Minister focuses on overall assessments and Treasury figures showing relatively low numbers of claims likely to be affected by changes.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Question
Will the Government reassure farmers that they will proceed with the environmental land management system?
Minister reply
The Minister assures the hon. Friend of this, stating his consistent support for agricultural transition during opposition.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Does the Government acknowledge that their measure may increase the problem of wealthy individuals buying up farmland? Will they take additional legislative steps?
Minister reply
The Minister does not agree with this view and believes it will act as a disincentive for such activities.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Question
Farmers in the hon. Friend's constituency are struggling due to delays and bureaucracy in receiving transition payments. Will the Government speed up these processes?
Minister reply
The Minister assures that they will fix problems with payment delays and expedite payments.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Does not recognising that more people think they will pay the additional rate of property tax than actually will cause a depressive effect on agricultural investment?
Minister reply
The Minister disagrees, citing various views from commentators suggesting different impacts.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Question
Will the Minister address rural crime protection efforts beyond tax issues?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges rural crime as a significant issue and emphasises that investment in raising taxes can help protect farmers better.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Farmers feel devastated by the Government's lack of understanding regarding their asset reliance on land due to low profit margins. Will the Minister discuss this issue with Rutland farmers?
Minister reply
The Minister states he is on an extended farm tour and will continue engaging.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
Question
Will the Minister clarify figures regarding inheritance tax exemptions for small family farms worth up to £2 million?
Minister reply
The Minister suggests that the figure may be even higher and urges people to look closely at the detail.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
What assessment has been made of the impact on the total rural economy due to potential farm closures resulting from the policy?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that the rural economy is closely integrated but asserts a strong economy will be most beneficial.
Rachel Gilmour
Lib Dem
Tiverton and Minehead
Question
Does the Minister recognise figures indicating 432 farms affected by the proposal in her constituency?
Minister reply
The Minister does not recognise these figures, suggesting they seem unlikely compared to Treasury data.
Rupert Lowe
Ind
Great Yarmouth
Question
Does the Minister regret and commit to reversing this decision affecting British family farms?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges financial challenges inherited but does not suggest an apology or reversal.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
Question
Will farmers be expected to sell land, machinery or buildings to cover large inheritance tax bills?
Minister reply
The Minister suggests that detailed examination of proposals will show most farms are unaffected.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
What message does the Minister have for Cambridgeshire farmers impacted by the family farm tax and potential solar farm development?
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises a stable economy and sound environment as essential for farming prosperity.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
Will the Budget increase food production costs, resulting in higher prices and inflation?
Minister reply
The Minister assures that the Budget protects pay packets for most British people.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
There are already very low margins on every farm, including those in Mid Buckinghamshire. Will the addition of between £50 and £75 a tonne on the price of fertiliser, through the Government’s proposed carbon tax, increase food prices? Who will shoulder that burden?
Minister reply
As the hon. Gentleman knows, a whole range of factors go into food prices. What is very good news is the establishment of GB Energy and a move to a much more affordable and reliable form of power for farmers as well as our consumers.
Joshua Reynolds
Lib Dem
Maidenhead
Question
On Friday, I visited an agricultural college in my constituency, where I heard concerns about how the changes in this Budget will potentially strip an industry of young farmers. What discussions did the Minister have with farming stakeholders on changes to the agricultural property relief prior to the Budget?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will know that tax discussions during the run-up to a Budget are a delicate issue. However, there was no shortage of discussion in newspaper columns across the country, so there has clearly been discussion.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Does the Minister accept that agricultural relief was introduced to protect family farms from being broken up, precisely to reflect their role as food producers and custodians of our countryside? Will he rethink this, do what Labour originally promised, and withdraw this proposal?
Minister reply
As a fellow East Anglian MP, the hon. Gentleman will know just how complicated farming is, how much it has changed over the last 30 years, and how much it is likely to change in the future.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Question
In the Minister’s opening answer, we sadly heard more Government slogans and soundbites than real understanding of the fear that Daventry farmers have been telling me about. I can assure him that they have been looking at the detail in great detail.
Minister reply
I think it is time for people to take up the opportunities of the schemes that the previous Government introduced and that we are continuing, which allow them to farm in an environmentally and nature-friendly way.
Alison Bennett
Lib Dem
Mid Sussex
Question
Given the varied estimates of how many farms will be impacted by these changes to agricultural property relief, will the Minister confirm how many farms he thinks will be impacted?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to my earlier answer. The figures are in the Treasury papers for all to see.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
Since Wednesday, I have been contacted by devastated farmers from across Stockton West. Their families have farmed for generations, and they know that, as a result of this Budget, they will be the last generation to do so.
Minister reply
Yes, we have, because we have looked at the figures. Again, I do not recognise the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation although, given some of the things that have been said over the last few days, I understand why people are alarmed.
Caroline Voaden
Lib Dem
South Devon
Question
South Devon has some of the most expensive land in the country, which makes every farm, regardless of its size, worth a lot of money on paper. One farmer in my constituency said over the weekend:
Minister reply
I understand the point but, first, much of this can be avoided through proper planning.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
Farmers in Dumfries and Galloway, who have been contacting me over the weekend, are not shroud-waving—let us be clear about that. Less clear are the figures.
Minister reply
"Could be at risk" has a very broad definition. The figures are absolutely clear, and I suggest that the hon. Gentleman looks at them.
Manuela Perteghella
Lib Dem
Stratford-on-Avon
Question
Unlike in many countries that are dominated by vast corporate agribusinesses, the British rural landscape, including that of my Stratford-on-Avon constituency, is defined by small, family-run farms.
Minister reply
We treasure our wide range of farms, which are very different in different parts of the country. The agricultural budget is at its highest level ever and it will provide support, particularly to small farms.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Question
Farming families in West Suffolk feel deep anxiety, in common with those in other constituencies, as hon. Members from across the House have explained.
Minister reply
At no point did I say that farming families did not understand the detail.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
Question
Family farmers in my constituency of Bicester and Woodstock are left confused and angry by this betrayal by the Government over APR.
Minister reply
There is nothing daft about putting this country’s finances on a sound footing. I say to the hon. Gentleman’s constituents, if they want a decent health service, schools and transport, this Budget will deliver that.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
May I politely suggest to the Minister that the time for his weekend reading was before deciding the policy, not afterwards?
Minister reply
The likely outcome will be that people will put arrangements in place to pass on their farms at the appropriate time, pulling more younger people into farming, which will be a good thing.
Shadow Comment
Alistair Carmichael
Shadow Comment
The shadow Minister, Alistair Carmichael, raised concerns about the stability and long-term planning that farming requires. He noted that farmers had relied on assurances from Labour when in opposition not to change inheritance tax reliefs for farming. Carmichael criticised the assertion that only one in four British farms would be affected by changes, challenging the data behind these figures. He also questioned why the Treasury removed the ringfence around farm support for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Furthermore, he asked for an impact assessment on other rural businesses and measures within the Budget to make food security easier to achieve.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.