Dumfriesshire MSP Craig Hoy has added his name to a letter from Harriet Cross MP and Victoria Atkins MP urging the Prime Minister to fully reverse the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief when the Autumn Budget is delivered on 28 October.
The letter, signed by Conservative politicians from Westminster, Holyrood and the Senedd, warns that the agricultural sector faces a “once-in-a-generation crisis”, with more than 6,000 agricultural businesses ceasing trading since Labour’s Family Farm Tax was announced in October 2024.
It also highlights concerns about the impact of the inheritance tax changes on investment, with three in five agribusinesses anticipating reducing capital investment by up to 20% as they prepare for potential future inheritance tax liabilities.
The letter notes that the Prime Minister has previously indicated a willingness to look again at the changes. Conservatives are now urging him to act and fully reverse the measures in order to protect family farms.
Craig Hoy has warned that without a thriving farming sector, food security, employment and rural economies will suffer, and has urged the Prime Minister to listen to farmers and reverse what Conservatives describe as “damaging measures”.
Craig Hoy MSP said:
“Since Labour took power two years ago, farmers here in Dumfriesshire and across the country have been suffering.
“More than 6,000 agricultural businesses have ceased trading since these inheritance tax changes were announced, while one in four family farms have already cut jobs.
“If the Prime Minister doesn’t change course, the consequences for our farming communities could be catastrophic.
“Farmers have traditionally invested billions into the wider rural economy, including here in Dumfriesshire. But Labour’s anti-farming policies are undermining confidence and investment as farmers face growing uncertainty about the future.
“Andy Burnham must use his first Budget to fully reverse the farming inheritance tax changes before it’s too late.”
Harriet Cross, Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, said:
“The farming sector is facing a once-in-a-generation crisis because of Labour’s damaging Family Farm Tax.
“Farmers are the backbone of our rural communities. They support other businesses, sustain jobs and invest in the wider rural economy. But Labour’s anti-farming policies have left their futures more uncertain than ever.
“If Andy Burnham really wants to rebuild Labour’s relationship with the agricultural sector, he must use his first Budget to fully reverse the farming inheritance tax changes.
“The Conservatives are the only party holding this Labour government to account and standing up for farmers across the country.”
