Resolution status:Carried
In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 a formal recorded vote was taken on recommendations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and an additional recommendation made at a meeting of the Executive Committee held on 24th February 2025 on the subject of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2027/28 Tranche 2 report.
In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, the Council Tax Resolutions 2025/26 were subject to a formal recorded vote.
Motion status:Rejected
A recorded named vote was taken during the meeting on the following proposed Motion on Notice:
“Council notes that:
• Redditch and its surrounding villages have a proud history of supporting farmers and a deep connection to the land they farm.
• Inheritance Tax reliefs like Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) have been essential in helping farmers pass on their farms to the next generation after a death, allowing the farms to stay within the family, and preserving agricultural production and stewardship of the countryside.
• The Labour Government’s recent 2024 Autumn Budget changes to Inheritance Tax relief will impose an effective 20% tax on agricultural assets valued over £1 million, introducing what has been termed the “Family Farm Tax.”
Council notes that the family farm taxes risk:
• Reducing land availability for farming across the Borough and damaging the ability for farmers to pass their farms to their children;
• Making food production at competitive prices more difficult for the Borough.
Council resolves:
• That the Leader writes on behalf of the Council to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the 6 Worcestershire MPs, outlining the Council’s dismay at the decision to restrict APR and urging the Government to halt the Family Farm Tax.
• To ask the Executive to consider engaging with local farmers and community representatives to assess how the Council can provide practical support during this challenging period.
• To call for a detailed list of affected farms to better understand and address the impact of these changes.”