Tax changes could ‘devastate’ rural future

Central Devon MP, Mel Stride, has been told by agricultural and business leaders that Labour’s tax changes could devastate the region’s rural economy.
Speaking during a meeting at Crediton Milling - a third-generation, family-run animal feed business - local voices raised urgent concerns about April’s national insurance increase, as well as the government’s plans to scale back Agricultural Property
Relief (APR), announced in Rachel Reeves’ first Budget as Chancellor.
The meeting, organised with the support of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), brought together key figures from Devon’s rural economy, including Barny Butterfield of Sandford Orchards, Andrew Butler of Crediton Dairy, and the team at Crediton Milling.
Speaking after the meeting, Mel Stride MP said: “Their message was clear. Labour’s tax changes threaten the future of family farms and agricultural businesses - the backbone of our rural economy and our national food security.
“Inheritance Tax reliefs like APR are not loopholes. They exist to stop farms being broken up or sold off when passed down through generations. Labour’s decision to severely limit these protections is short-sighted. It will force many farming families to sell parts - or even all - of their farms.
“At a time when farmers are already facing enormous challenges - from extreme weather and global conflict to rising input costs - this adds insult to injury.”
More than 275,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Chancellor to reverse the changes.
NFU Devon County Adviser Fiona Rew commented: “It was great to chat with Mel about some of the challenges we’re facing. Agriculture underpins so much of our business landscape in Devon, and engaging with MPs to shape a positive future for
farming is absolutely vital.”