Pleas from local farmers were ignored at the latest Cheshire West and Chester Full Council Meeting (Thursday 12 December 2024) over the damage to be caused by the Labour Government’s ‘Family Farming Tax’. The Labour-run Council refused to debate the hot-topic issue which will potentially affect over 1,000 farms in the borough.
Councillor Martin Loftus (Hartford and Greenbank, Con), Shadow Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, asked Council to debate the issue by saying:
“While many might consider farms to be businesses, I would respectfully suggest they are more than that. It is in fact a lifestyle. I can’t think of many people who would work such very long hours, often in very difficult conditions, for such ridiculously small returns on their investment. The fact that despite the harsh conditions and low returns, which sadly leads to a higher than average suicide rate, so many farms have been passed down multiple generations makes my point.
“Farmers MAY be asset rich, especially given the high value of agricultural equipment, but many remain cash poor, and most certainly do not lead a life of luxury. Despite promises by the now Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, I think most people were genuinely shocked at the introduction of this new tax, and I suspect that most of our electorate respect the role our farmers play in feeding the nation, and given the threat to food security, would not wish to see farmers forced out of business.”
When put to the vote, every single Labour Councillor present at the meeting voted against debating the item, with the independent member for rural-facing three-member Weaver and Cuddington ward abstaining on the vital discussion while the Conservative Councillor Phil Rimmer, also representing the ward, voted for. Therefore, the item was not heard.
Reacting afterwards, Cllr Adrian Waddelove (Farndon, Con), Conservative Group Leader said:
“I have been inundated with messages from worried and concerned farmers from my ward and further afield about the damage that Labour’s Family Fax Farm will have on them and their livelihoods.
“We already know that many Cheshire farmers are struggling to cope with rising cost pressures. I am really disappointed that Labour councillors did not stand up to their government this evening – instead voting not to even debate this critical issue. This Labour Council made it abundantly clear to everyone that they do not care about our rural residents, our rural economy, or our food security.”
Image: prior to the meeting, Conservative councillors joined a local farmer and his tractor outside the council chamber in Winsford to highlight their concerns on the issue.
