ANGER has erupted among Worcestershire farmers over inheritance tax changes as some within the industry say they feel 'betrayed by the Budget' and protests begin in the capital.
West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has agreed to meet with a delegation of county farmers, worried about how inheritance tax changes will impact their future.
Meanwhile, Worcester's Labour MP Tom Collins accepted farmers, including in Worcester, faced 'real challenges' as he works closely with Bennett's Farm within his constituency.
Thousands of farmers from all over the country travelled to London to meet with their MPs and call for a reverse of the new inheritance tax rules introduced in the Budget.
Seb James, who hopes to become a Conservative county councillor in Worcester, also spoke in support of farmers against 'the abhorrent changes to inheritance tax introduced in last month's Halloween budget'.
He said: "Labour have previously failed to identify the impact farmers have on our everyday lives. The manifesto of envy is apparent across this Labour Government.
"Here in Worcester we have a number of residents who's lives depend on the farming industry. Just this week I have spoken to concerned farmers who genuinely cannot see hope for their future.
"One young farmer said to me 'I've seen my grandfather cry through Winter Fuel Payments being removed, now he is numb at the reality of losing his family farm'."
Chris Rimell, Conservative Candidate for Bedwardine said: "There is a farm in the Bedwardine division, showing just how close to the city farming is. Farming land is often tied to a business and is not personal wealth. Labour are once again angering those who contribute to our daily lives. It is plain that Labour are trying to bite the hand that feeds you."
Dame Harriett said the changes will mean many family farms will need to be split and sold off to pay huge tax bills when the owner dies, calling it a Government attack on the rural way of life.
The MP will meet a delegation of farmers who work the land in her West Worcestershire constituency and put world-class food on our tables.
Worcester's Labour MP Tom Collins said: "Today’s farming protests in London highlight the real challenges faced by farmers across the UK, including those right here in Worcester.
"Bennett’s Farm has been a long-standing and well-loved part of our community. When I visited the farm a few weeks ago, we discussed the serious challenges they face. Another meeting has already been arranged to ensure we continue to work together on these issues.
"Keeping food farming in the UK is vital, not just for the stability of our food supply, but for preserving a way of life that has shaped our communities for generations. Many local people have shared fond memories of growing up near or working on farms, highlighting how central they are to our collective heritage.
"I will continue to listen to and work with Bennett’s Farm to ensure their voices are heard."
Dame Harriett said: “There are hundreds of family farms in West Worcestershire and many farmers feel betrayed by the budget which ends the Agricultural Property Relief after the Labour party said they had no plans to change it.
“I regularly meet with farmers and visit their family farms, so it is important to me that I am able to meet with them when they come to my place of work.
“Farmers do a vital job putting food on our tables and food security should be a matter of national importance.
“Taxing farms out of existence will only mean fewer food producers and inevitably higher prices when we come to pay our weekly shopping bills. The Chancellor should reverse this tax changes and help to protect our farmers and their future.”
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Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said: “Farmers are the backbone of Britain, and we recognise the strength of feeling expressed by farming and rural communities in recent weeks. We are steadfast in our commitment to Britain’s farming industry because food security is national security.
“It's why we are investing £5 billion into farming over the next two years – the largest amount ever directed towards sustainable food production, rural economic growth and nature’s recovery in our country’s history.
“But with public services crumbling and a £22 billion fiscal hole that this Government inherited, we have taken difficult decisions.
“The reforms to Agricultural Property Relief ensure that wealthier estates and the most valuable farms pay their fair share to invest in our schools and health services that farmers and families in rural communities rely on."
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