Sir Gavin Williamson continues to fight on behalf farmers and landowners across Staffordshire as punitive Government policies continue to threaten the viability of the sector.
As part of Sir Gavin’s ongoing campaign to urge the Government to change course, he met with representatives from the Country Land and Business Association as well as local farmers in Brewood to hear directly their concerns and fears owing to changes to Inheritance Tax.
From April 2026 onwards, Agricultural Property Relief will change so that agricultural assets will be subject to inheritance tax at a rate of 20% after the first £1 million. Despite many farmers struggling with production costs and shrinking margins, the Government continue to pursue policies that threaten food security and the viability of the sector.
Natalie Oakes, Midlands CLA Manager said: “The meeting with Sir Gavin Williamson MP was highly constructive, offering members a valuable opportunity to engage directly with him.
“We had a wide ranging discussion that addressed topics such as Inheritance Tax changes, planning reform, and the unexpected closure of farming schemes, covering both the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities.”
Sir Gavin said: "I was delighted to meet with Staffordshire CLA members to discuss their understandable concerns regarding punitive policies that are having a detrimental impact on family farms and estates.
"Changes to Inheritance Tax, Business Property Relief, and Agricultural Property Relief are making farming unviable for so many and threatening food security at a crucial time in our geopolitics.
"I urge the Government to reverse these damaging policies and will be doing all I can to pressure Ministers to give farming in Staffordshire and across the UK a fighting chance.
"The roundtable was also a useful opportunity to discuss concerns regarding rural crime which blights farmers and those who enjoy our countryside. I am committed to engaging with Staffordshire Police to address these very important issues and will do all I can to reduce the impact of rural crime."
