Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle has attacked the decision by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves to hit family farms with an increase in inheritance tax.
The changes to agricultural properly relief and business property relief for inheritance tax has been dubbed the “family farm tax” by Scottish Conservatives, will mean when a farmer dies, their family could be faced with paying thousands more in tax.
The Conservatives have launched a petition at stopthefarmtax.com, urging Labour to abandon the plans. Brian is encouraging people across the region to sign up and send the strongest possible message that Scotland supports family farms.
Brian said Labour have broken their promise to farmers, after promising before the election that they had no plans to change the agricultural property relief. He went on to accuse them of being out of touch with the challenges facing farmers and ignoring the importance of protecting domestic food production.
Brian Whittle MSP said: “This extra tax on farmers is a punishing blow for family farmers across South Scotland.
Before the election Labour told farmers they had no plans to change this relief, but as soon as they’re in government, the tune changes and they break their promise.
These farms play an important role in our domestic food production so it’s important that farmers are able to pass their farms to the next generation without being forced to sell up to pay this new tax bill from Labour.
I hope people across South Scotland will join me in signing up to our campaign to make Labour rethink this misguided plan and show some support for hard pressed farmers.”
