A change to inheritance tax rules for family farms has been welcomed locally, with the Government raising the threshold from one million pounds to two point five million.
The move follows sustained pressure from farming communities and Liberal Democrat MPs, after concerns that earlier plans could have forced long established family farms to sell land or cease trading, particularly in rural parts of Dorset.
Vikki Slade said the decision was a positive step but warned it did not address wider challenges facing the sector, including long term financial pressures and the need to protect domestic food production.
She said British farming plays a vital role in food security and that policy decisions must ensure food production remains in British hands, adding that more support is needed beyond changes to inheritance tax.
The MP has confirmed she will continue discussions with farmers, with a meeting planned in January with the National Farmers’ Union to hear directly from local representatives and maintain pressure for further reforms.
She also said the Government must do more to help farmers compete fairly, warning that trade deals should not undermine UK agriculture and that imports from countries with weaker environmental or animal welfare standards must be properly considered.
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