A FARMER who also serves a Dumfries community as a councillor has hit out at the UK Government over controversial tax changes affecting the agricultural industry.
Graham Bell, who runs a beef farm on the outskirts of the town and also represents the North West Dumfries ward, described the move to limit agricultural property relief (APR) as “an attack on the rural economy”.
The Conservatives councillor also warned that tenants on farms could end up being evicted as a result of this squeeze on the industry.
He gave a speech at the recent Dumfries and Galloway full council meeting after Annandale South Councillor George Jamieson, a former farmer, tabled a motion on the issue.
Councillor Bell said: “I’m an NFU member and I’m also a farmer. This is certainly a bitter blow to family farms what this government has done.
“It doesn’t target the large companies or investors – as they set up trusts to avoid inheritance tax.
“Also, tenants on a large estate will be affected by the value of the livestock basic payment scheme and the value of the tenancy on the open market.
“I can see farmers faced with this tax evicting tenants from cottages and workers being evicted to pay for this tax.
“Even the former MP George Galloway supports the farmers, and former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls said ‘this is a bad move’.
“The NFU were consulted about this proposal and they are not being listened to.
“I feel this is an attack on the rural economy – as so many people are reliant on agriculture in Dumfries and Galloway.
“Stating £500 million could be raised by farmers’ tax. Farmers pay income tax, council tax, capital gains, insurance tax – now the government is looking into fertiliser tax. I forgot to add on stamp duty – we’re paying that as well.
“The government is giving millions to foreign farmers. How about supporting our own farmers in the UK, and Dumfries and Galloway?
“It’s about time!”
Councillor Bell was one of 23 councillors who voted for Dumfries and Galloway Council to lobby the UK Government to delay any tax changes and properly consult with farmers across the nation.
