Cornwall Council has today voted overwhelmingly to object to the Labour Government’s plans for a Family Farm Tax.
In a meeting of the Full Council, councillors endorsed a motion brought by Liskeard councillor Nick Craker and seconded by Mevagissey and St Austell Bay councillor James Mustoe that called upon Leader of the council Linda Taylor to write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging the Government to reconsider its decision and halt the Family Farm Tax.
Motion proposer Cllr Nick Craker said:
“I am pleased Cornwall Council has added its weight to the plight of our farmers in demanding a rethink on this disastrous policy from our new government.”
“It was a wide-ranging and interesting debate that ultimately received huge cross party support.
“I particularly want to highlight the impact these changes may have on our young farmers and those considering careers as farmers or going to agricultural college.”
“We need to make sure the sector has confidence and certainty to continue long into the future.”
Motion seconder Cllr James Mustoe said:
“I was pleased to second Cllr Craker’s motion today, and in Full Council speak up on behalf of farmers in my division, who gave me powerful testimony about how they feel these changes will impact them and their families. “
“This is a cruel policy based on fundamental misunderstandings from a Labour Government and its supporters who are either woefully out of touch with rural communities or just don’t care, and is nothing more than weaponised and poorly targeted ideological warfare against some of our hardest working families.”
“I am pleased that we have done what we can as a council and spoken up on behalf of our farmers and added our voice to theirs in speaking out on these damaging changes and pushing for the change that is needed at this difficult time.”
Speaking after the debate, Leader of Cornwall Council Linda Taylor said:
“I was pleased to see Cornwall Councillors voting overwhelmingly today for the motion to support our Cornish farmers, giving me the strong mandate I need to write to the Secretary of State for DEFRA to call out the Government on their latest appalling piece of legislation.”
“It was good to hear compelling testimonies from local farmers who are also Cornwall Councillors as well as from supportive councillors from the Liberal Democrat, Mebyon Kernow and Independent Groups, along with the entire Conservative Group.”
“It was disappointing if not surprising to see the only Green Party councillor in Cornwall speak in favour of the Government’s measures and vote against backing our farmers in their time of need.”
“And several Labour Cornwall Councillors predictable spoke in favour of their Government’s measures but abstained from voting, others didn’t bother to at all!”
“I hope that the Government and our Labour Cornwall MPs, who have to date been silent on this, take note, and hope the Labour Government will see sense and reverse their latest damaging policy.”
At the same time today’s motion also called for Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change to consult with local farmers and community representatives to explore what support the Council can provide during this challenging period.
It also called for an update on actions taken since May 2023, when Cornwall Council passed a cross-party motion titled “Supporting Cornwall’s Farmers.”
