Chichester leader urges rethink on Family Farm Tax

Monday, 25 November 2024 07:00

By Karen Dunn, Local Democracy Reporter @V2RadioSussex

The leader of Chichester District Council is to write to the government to ask it to reconsider the decision to introduce a Family Farm Tax.

Farmers have protested in droves after changes introduced in the recent budget meant farms worth more than £1m could soon face an inheritance tax rate of 20%.

Previously, all farmland was exempt.

During a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (November 19), a motion was tabled by Brett Burkhart (Con, Fernhurst), calling the change ‘a shameful betrayal’ and describing the damage faced by farmers in the district.

She said: “I hope that this is a mistake – I hope that this is a policy that was ill thought through and was placed at the last minute.

“And I hope that we can do something here at the council about that.”

Leader Adrian Moss agreed to write to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for DEFRA (the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs).

He said: “Farmers do need protecting – they are our family farmers and the horticulturists who wish to hand their farms down to the next generation.

“The aim, though, is not to protect buyers of farmland who are using a farm to shelter themselves from inheritance tax.

“Food security and farmers are critical to this country, growing essential food and preserving our countryside.”

Mr Moss said the farmers had been let down by the last government – with subsidies falling by 20% since 2015 – and the new government was continuing in the same vein.

More from Local News

Sinkhole in Storrington causes misery for businesses

A large sinkhole in Storrington remains unrepaired nine weeks after it first appeared, sparking frustration among local businesses and residents.
Dog incidents in Selsey

People living in Selsey are being asked about dog-related incidents in the town’s parks.
Portsmouth Gunwharf Central Square redevelopment

Plans to transform Gunwharf Quays’ Central Square, including splitting the former Eden nightclub into three new food and drink venues, have been approved by Portsmouth City Council.
Sussex Police targeting domestic abuse this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, Sussex Police and their partners are intensifying efforts to protect victims of domestic abuse during a time when they are often at their most vulnerable. Under the banner of Operation Hope, the initiative aims to safeguard individuals and deter perpetrators.
Efforts to stop the homelessness crises in Chichester District

Chichester District Council’s draft housing, homelessness and rough sleeping strategy is to be put out to public consultation in January.
ID appeal after assault at a Hove restaurant

Do you recognise this man?
Appeal following East Grinstead assault and robbery

Police are appealing for the identities of two people following an assault and robbery outside the Jet fuel station in London Road, East Grinstead on the evening of September 19.
Drug related deaths rise in Portsmouth

Portsmouth has seen a reduction in drug dealers and county lines networks, according to the city’s Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP) however, the number of drug-related deaths has risen.
WATCH: Speeding motorist disqualified after reaching 130mph in Sussex

A speeding motorist who reached 130mph in Sussex has been disqualified. Stuart Chandler was driving a McLaren sports car on the M23 near Crawley.
Portsmouth transport services return to the Hard Interchange in January

Commuters in Portsmouth can expect a return to normal at The Hard Interchange next month.