West Devon Borough Council will be urging the government to reconsider its proposal to introduce a 20% Agricultural Property Tax on farm inheritance, as announced in the last Budget.
At Full Council this week (Tuesday 10 December), Members unanimously agreed to:
- Write to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging them to reconsider and significantly modify changes to the Agricultural Property Tax on family farms, recognising its potentially devastating impact on rural communities and food security; and
- Advocate for meaningful engagement between Westminster, farming organisations, and rural councils to develop policies that support, rather than penalise, the farming sector.
Councillor Holly Greenberry- Pullen, who proposed the motion, said: “This change will affect West Devon due to the number of small working family farms that are often passed down through generations.
“The value of their land and assets may not equate to their financial ability to pay this exorbitant rate of inheritance tax they will be liable for. Many farmers already need second jobs to support their income.
“The loss of family farms wouldn’t just affect farmers, it would devastate rural communities, associated industries and business. The loss of farms who may be taken over by large hedge fund companies, would have a negative impact on the rural and ecological stewardship that farming based knowledge and management offers the area.”
Councillor Mandy Ewings, the Leader of the Council, said: “I’m really pleased that all our Councillors united to support a common cause.
“Farmers are the backbone of our communities in West Devon and custodians of the environment. It is only right that we demonstrate that we stand with them and recognise the part they play in supporting our food security, the local economy and protecting biodiversity.
“I will now do all I can to get our voice heard in Westminster.”