Scottish farmers and crofters have delivered letters to all thirty seven Scottish Labour MPs warning that proposed UK Government changes to Inheritance Tax could break up family farms and undermine the foundations of Scotland’s rural economy.
The action was coordinated by NFU Scotland and comes ahead of the UK Budget on twenty six November where the Treasury is considering reforms to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief.
Farmers say the changes could reshape the future of generational farming by forcing families to sell land or long held assets simply to meet higher tax liabilities.
NFU Scotland argues that the proposals are not a minor policy shift but a threat to the survival of the businesses that underpin food production, local jobs and the cultural fabric of rural life.
Its President, Andrew Connon, set out the concerns clearly as the letters were delivered.
He said:
“These changes are a red line for Scottish agriculture.
“They would tear apart family farms built over generations, forcing families to sell land or assets just to pay the tax bill.
“That’s not reform, that’s ruin.
“We’re asking every Scottish Labour MP to speak to the Treasury, to stand up for rural livelihoods, and to help stop these proposals before they do irreversible damage.”
The letters share the stories of individual farmers who describe halted investment plans, stalled succession discussions and deep uncertainty about whether long established farm businesses can continue if the tax reforms go ahead.
Many call on the Treasury to look at alternative revenue options that would meet fiscal targets without destabilising the very businesses that deliver home grown food security and support rural communities.
NFU Scotland has been working with all UK farming unions to oppose the changes in a joint effort that has already sparked parliamentary debate and raised alarm far beyond the agricultural sector.
The Union says the proposals run contrary to the UK Government’s stated goals on food security, rural economic growth and generational renewal, arguing that the reforms risk doing permanent harm to the next generation of farmers.
Among those delivering letters to Labour MPs was farmer Hugh Broad who spoke plainly about the stakes for his industry.
He said:
“These proposed tax changes would destroy the family farms that feed Scotland.
“As a farmer, I’m delivering this letter as a plea for our future, and we urge Scottish Labour MPs to act before it’s too late.”
The coming days will determine whether the Treasury reconsiders its position before the Budget is set, or whether farmers face a winter of growing uncertainty about the long term viability of family run farms across Scotland.
