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

West Country MPs have 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 [e-mail]

The so-called “Family Farm Tax”, introduced last year as part of wider Inheritance Tax reforms, has drawn fierce criticism from Liberal Democrat MPs 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 Autumn Budget on November 26.

Anna Sabine (inset), MP for Frome and East Somerset, shared harrowing accounts from her constituents and said the Chancellor's refusal to act shows a “callous disregard” for rural life.