Green Party councillor for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, Claire Critchison, has put forward a motion for next week’s Full Council meeting to gain full backing for Isle of Wight farmers.
She is gaining support from councillors across the island who are concerned about the pressures on our countryside, particularly in the light of the changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) announced by the government in the Autumn Budget.
The motion expresses that “these changes have the potential to introduce a ‘Family Farm Tax,’ which severely undermines the viability of our Island’s farming sector and threatens the nation’s food security”.
It instructs the Council leader to call for the two Island MPs to advocate for a pause and further consultation on the changes, that the government should address their full impact, and that the council cabinet should meet with members of the National Farmers Union to discuss how they can support local farmers and rural businesses across the Isle of Wight.
Critchison: I hope that all councillors can get behind this motion
Councillor Critchison said,
“Farmers play such an important role in nature restoration and flood alleviation and are at the heart of our island as food producers, employers and custodians of the land. But they are under immense pressure as the costs of production have risen whilst farm gate prices have stayed the same or gone down.
“We need to see a sustainable, thriving future for family farming on the Isle of Wight – and I hope that all councillors can get behind this motion next week.”
Munt: Welcome IWC support
NFU County Chairman Robyn Munt said,
“On behalf of members and the agricultural community the NFU continues to make the devastating impact to family farms and as a consequence every business in the rural sector of the budget announcements known to Government and would welcome the support of IW council.
“Failure by the Government to revisit the proposed tax changes and to consult with the farming industry to find a workable solution is already causing immense stress and uncertainty, it will discourage investment and growth and it will be detrimental to the production of food and management of our beautiful Island landscape.”
News shared by Vix Lowthion on behalf of the Isle of Wight Green Party. Ed
