The CLA View

The CLA has been extremely busy during the political party conference season ensuring that rural issues remain a priority for all politicians. One topic which was frequently raised was our continued opposition and campaign against the government’s planned changes to inheritance tax.

Nearly all farmers, landowners and rural businesses I speak to highlight this unaffordable tax as one of the most significant issues facing them. Everywhere we look, we see farming and family businesses withdrawing investment, with the economy suffering as a result. It is leading to some very difficult discussions and often brings to the fore the sensitive subject of succession planning.

The CLA is fighting these reforms tooth and nail, and we will not stop until they have been repealed in full. However, it is prudent for all businesses to open up the discussion of succession within families, which is why we are hosting a series of free events to help families and rural businesses navigate what can be an extremely complex area.

Succession planning is one of the most important responsibilities for any family business. Without a clear plan, decisions may be made under pressure, with fewer options and greater financial and emotional cost.

We are hosting a series of events across England and Wales (including several in the East region) where you can join our facilitators, tax and business experts for practical sessions focused on finding solutions and developing a strategy for your succession planning.

These events are designed to help family businesses - both CLA members and non-members protect their future, maintain family harmony, and make informed decisions with confidence.

The ever-changing nature of politics means we are now dealing with a new ministerial team at the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), with Steve Reed moving to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) following a reshuffle and Emma Reynolds coming in to replace him as secretary of state.

Daniel Zeichner is no longer the Farming Minister as Dame Angela Eagle moves from the Home Office to replace him at Defra. Daniel worked closely with the CLA both as minister, and before this in the shadow role. He held a difficult brief, trying to be collaborative with farmers and the industry but unable to make significant progress.

The CLA has already had multiple meetings with both the new secretary of state and farming minister who noted their keenness to work with the industry.

Emma Reynolds is an experienced MP and has been a junior minister at several departments, including the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions. She has been keen to interact with those in rural areas of her Wycombe constituency and the CLA has facilitated several visits to farms and businesses so she can meet our members.

We have had conversations on the destructive impact of proposed inheritance tax changes, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Countryside Stewardship and farm profitability. Emma has also been keen to attend events with members and has displayed a willingness to listen directly to farmers on the key issues. It is a more engaging relationship which we hope will be a positive step.

We recently welcomed the extension to Countryside Stewardship for those members' whose Mid-Teir agreements were due to end in December and now call for clarity on future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Whatever the political party, or political agenda, we must ensure that the rural economy is given the tools it needs to thrive and the CLA will ensure the rural voice continues to be heard within Defra, MHCLG and all other government departments.