Over 9000 farms in Labour constituencies could be hit by “tractor tax” as LibDems call on govt to scrap the hike
EMBARGO: Immediate Release
An estimated 9,079 farms in Labour constituencies could be hit by the “tractor tax” Liberal Democrat analysis has revealed. Liberal Democrats have called on the government to scrap the planned changes to inheritance tax relief for farms announced in this week’s Budget.
The worst affected Labour seats were Penrith and Solway with an estimated 450 farms hit by the changes, Derbyshire Dales with 344, and Hexham with 317.
On average 26 farms per constituency in Labour seats could be affected, which is significantly lower than the number for other parties. The Conservatives will see an average of 103, and the Lib Dems an average of 97.
The worst hit constituencies in the country were Torridge and Tavistock with 547 farms hit, followed by South Shropshire and Central Devon with 530 and 526 respectively.
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to “scrap the tractor tax or risk losing the next generation of farmers”.
Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, Tim Farron MP, said:
“The government urgently needs to scrap their tractor tax or risk losing the next generation of family farmers.
“Farmers have borne the brunt of years of Conservative party neglect, hammering them with botched trade deals and cuts to their incomes.
“For the new government to deliver another blow with this new tax hike is completely unthinkable.
“The Chancellor needs to urgently rethink these proposals, scrap the tractor tax and take on the Liberal Democrat plans to give farmers a £1 billion boost in support.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The number of farms affected by constituency and political affiliation of each constituency can be found here.
According to the government 73% of farms will not be affected meaning 27% will be. Extrapolated across all farms by constituency, an estimate of the number of farms in each constituency affected has been reached.
First reported by the Telegraph here.