A passionate plea has been made by Victoria Atkins, the local MP for Louth and Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for her Labour counterpart to push for the abolition of family farm tax. During a visit to Louth’s historic livestock market last week, Atkins took aim at Defra Secretary Steve Reed, accusing him of a lack of engagement with the farming community. She drew attention to the fact that Reed, whom she referred to as ‘City Steve’, had only visited four farms since his appointment after the last General Election. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced changes to Inheritance Tax rules in her autumn budget that will significantly impact Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief on farmland and business assets. Previously, farmland was largely exempt under APR, however, from April 2026, agricultural assets worth over £1 million will be subject to a 20 per cent tax. Atkins expressed her dismay at the decision and the impact it is having on the rural community. Describing the stress and despondency felt by many, she promised that the Conservative Party would axe the family farm tax at the earliest opportunity and urged those affected to hold on until the next election. She highlighted the difficulty for families facing potential tax bills of up to £1 million following a bereavement, an impossible sum for those earning an average income. Atkins drew attention to the mental health impact on farmers and voiced her frustration at the dismissive response from the Secretary of State. She insisted that ‘City Steve’ should be challenging the Chancellor and advocating for the farming community. Contrary to claims that Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner had not met with farmers since the budget announcement, Defra countered that he had engaged with more than 70 farmers and visited 11 farms since taking office. In response to Atkins’ criticisms, a Defra spokesperson stated they have championed British farming since taking office and are investing £5 billion into the sector. Atkins emphasised the vital role of Louth’s historic cattle market as a hub for the farming community and a symbol of the town’s agricultural heritage. She also expressed concern about the impact of US tariffs on UK exports on the local farming community.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
