Kingswinford MP calls for more help for farmers facing challenges with inheritance tax and rural crim
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire MP Mike Wood has called on the government to deliver action to support farmers across his constituency.
The call came following a meeting in Enville where Mr Wood joined NFU representatives and farmers from across Kingswinford and South Staffordshire to discuss a range of concerns and challenges faced by by them and nationally.
The meeting covered concerns such as the impact of upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax, rural crime, agricultural planning regulations, taxes on double cab pick-up trucks and fertiliser, and concerns about recent outbreaks of animal diseases in Europe.
Mr Wood said: “While farming has never been an easy industry, it seems to be getting even harder for those who so passionately want to serve our nation by putting food on our plates.
“I’ve heard today how farmers think government can support the industry and make sure our family farms are still there for the next generation to take on.
That could start with scrapping the upcoming family farms tax and instead redirecting efforts to support farmers with regulatory changes that actually help them.”
Nigel Adams from The Mere Farm, Enville, said: “A positive meeting allowed us to illustrate the daily struggles faced within the farming industry and explain how we are concerned for future generations and how government policy will affect them being able to carry on with family farms.”
Hannah Cains, the NFU Group Secretary, said:“It was great to meet with Mike and understand how he can help us within the agricultural sector. Working together is key to ensure our voice is heard within government.”
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