Voting record

 Council, Monday, 27th January, 2025 7.00 pm

Item: Motions on Notice (Procedure Rule 11) (To Follow)

Recorded Named Vote on a Motion on Notice Concerning Farms and Taxation:

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.”

 

Voting
CouncillorVote
Councillor Sharon Harvey Against