Budget: Implications for Farming Communities Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateJoshua Reynolds
Main Page: Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat - Maidenhead)Department Debates - View all Joshua Reynolds's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(2 weeks, 3 days ago)
Commons ChamberAs the hon. Gentleman knows, a whole range of factors go into food prices. What is very good news is the establishment of GB Energy and a move to a much more affordable and reliable form of power for farmers as well as our consumers. We will all be better off.
On Friday, I visited an agricultural college in my constituency, where I heard concerns about how the changes in this Budget will potentially strip an industry of young farmers. What discussions did the Minister have with farming stakeholders on changes to the agricultural property relief prior to the Budget?
The hon. Gentleman will know that tax discussions during the run-up to a Budget are a delicate issue. However, there was no shortage of discussion in newspaper columns across the country, so there has clearly been discussion. Younger people who want to go into farming face real obstacles, and this change could help.
The hon. Gentleman shakes his head but, if he talks to people who know about these issues, they agree with me.