Speaking out on damaging family farm tax

Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, has slammed the government for refusing to listen to farmers.

His comments came following reports that the Chancellor does not plan to amend or repeal the damaging family farm tax in next month’s Budget. Farmers are preparing to stage a nationwide ‘Day of Unity’ on Monday, 24 November, to protest against the government’s proposed Inheritance Tax reforms.

Gideon has supported the rural community in their campaign to reverse the tax since it was first introduced last year. He said that, despite being warned that their policy could lead to a lost generation of farmers, the government had not budged.

“This is tone-deaf to local farmers in Taunton and Wellington. Small family farms and small businesses have borne the brunt of this government’s taxation measures.”

He added: “Hitting small enterprises in this way is no way to grow our economy or encourage farmers to continue putting food on to our tables. The big banks, the energy companies and the online retail giants and those using loopholes to dodge tax on big capital gains should be paying a bigger share of the tax burden.

“Small enterprises like family farms should be exempt from these new tax hikes. Farms should instead be supported to deliver the environmental stewardship they are so good at. They and our small businesses could be the engine that drives greater prosperity and greater exports for the UK.

“I will continue to lead the charge against this unfair tax hike, to protect family farms across Taunton and Wellington who are being taken for granted.”