More help for farmers 'kicked into long grass'

THERE are concerns the plight of farmers is not being taken seriously after a bid for Gloucestershire County Council to provide more mental health support and lobby against more taxation has been “kicked into the long grass”.

- CARMELO GARCIA

Proposals to write to the secretary of state and local MPs expressing strong opposition to tax changes which are hurting farmers were debated by the authority last week.

Cotswold farmer and Conservative County councillor Dom Morris (Fairford and Lechlade-on-Thames) put forward the motion on November 12, which also asked the council leader and group chiefs to meet agricultural representatives to explore ways they could better support the farming community.

This would also look at providing ways to oppose the tax implications which he believes will have a devastating impact on the rural communities.

However, during the debate, while councillors across the chamber spoke in favour of farmers and agreed they face many hardships, it was proposed the matter be looked into by a scrutiny committee, which would take months to come up with recommendations.