'Family Farm Tax' a threat to rural life, say West MPs

CHORUS of West Country MPs hit out at the Government over its refusal to scrap a controversial tax they claim is crippling family farms and threatening the future of rural communities.

- LEWIS CLARKE

The so-called “Family Farm Tax’, introduced last year as part of wider Inheritance Tax reforms, has drawn fierce criticism from Liberal Democrat MBPs across the South West, who say it disproportionately affects small and medium-sized farms already battling rising costs, volatile weather, and economic uncertainty.

Despite growing pressure, reports suggest the Chancellor has no intention of amending or repealing the measure in the upcoming Budget.

Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, called the Government's approach “tone deaf” and a “kick in the teeth” for Somerset's farming community.