Latest news with #DanielZeichner
Epoch Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
MPs Call for Delay to Inheritance Tax Change to Protect ‘Vulnerable Farmers'
A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the government to delay changes to inheritance tax for farms until 2027. In its Efra said the delays would also allow 'vulnerable farmers' more time to seek professional advice. From April 2026, agricultural assets worth over £1 million will be subject to a 20 percent inheritance tax rate. This is half the usual 40 percent rate, but farms were previously exempt from inheritance tax. In its report, Efra raised concerns that the plans laid out in last year's Autumn Budget were made without a consultation, impact assessment, or affordability assessment. 'The lack of proper evaluation of the impact of these changes means that the scale and nature of its impact on family farms, land values, tenant farmers, food security and farmers in the devolved administrations is disputed and unclear. This comes with a considerable risk of negative unintended consequences,' the group of MPs said. Related Stories 3/26/2025 10/31/2024 As such, the reforms 'threaten to affect the most vulnerable,' including those who are older and whose farming is less profitable. The committee recommended postponing the announcement of final reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) until October 2026, to come into effect in April 2027. Alternatives The Labour government had said it brought in the change to stop wealthy investors attempting to avoid paying inheritance tax by buying farmland, which also impacts the price and availability of land for new entrants into farming. The committee said that while it agrees in principle with reforming APR and BPR to 'close the loophole,' experts had proposed other methods to reform taxes which the government should consider. These include increasing the tax-free APR/BPR combined cap to £20 million, but introducing a predetermined 'clawback period,' during which time if any land is sold after being passed on, charges will be applied. This is similar to a proposal put forward in February by the National Farmers' Union. The union Closure of SFI 'Affected Trust' Efra also criticised the sudden closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI) programme, which it said 'affected trust in the Government and has left many farmers without the funding they expected and at risk of becoming unviable in the period before the next scheme is introduced.' The SFI offered financial incentives to farmers to adopt environmentally-friendly land management practices aimed at improving soil health and water quality and supported actions that promote biodiversity, such as encouraging bees and other pollinators. There are currently around 37,000 SFI agreements in place. However, the scheme was Tractors are parked on Whitehall in Westminster in protest by farmers over the changes to inheritance tax rules in London, on Dec. 11, 2024. Yui Mok/PA Wire But earlier this week, the government made a Addressing MPs on Monday, minister for food security and rural affairs Daniel Zeichner blamed a message in the application system 'shown in error,' which promised that Defra would give farmers six weeks' notice if the department needed to close applications. The government has said it is planning to reform the SFI scheme. Rebuild Trust Efra committee Chairman Alistair Carmichael called on the government to 'take our recommendations seriously' in a bid to rebuild trust and confidence in the farming sector. The Liberal Democrat MP 'The Government, however, seems to be dismissing farmers' concerns and ignoring the strength of feeling evidenced in the months of protests that saw tractors Children ride toy tractors in Parliament Square as demonstrators attend a farmers rally in London, on Nov. 19, Epoch Times contacted the Treasury for comment, but the department did not respond. The government has A spokesperson had said: 'With 40 percent of agricultural property relief going to the 7 percent of wealthiest claimants, we made the decision to ensure the relief is fiscally sustainable. 'Around 500 claims each year will be impacted and farm-owning couples can pass on up to £3 million without paying any inheritance tax—this is a fair and balanced approach.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
People taking snacks onto aircraft in hand luggage 'could face £5,000 fines' over EU travel rule
People taking snacks onto aircraft in hand luggage 'could face £5,000 fines' over EU travel rule Even food bought at the airport will fall foul of the rules from destinations such as Spain, Greece, Turkey and France. Anyone entering the UK is banned from taking foods from the EU into the country - with possible fines (Image: Getty Images ) Travellers have been warned that taking snacks through customs - even bought at the airport - could see them confiscated and fines imposed. A ban is currently in place for anyone coming back to the UK from Europe - including hotspot countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey and France. It's unlawful for travellers entering Great Britain from any EU country to carry the likes of sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk. So picking up a sarnie at the airport in Spain and trying to take it back to the UK could get you in trouble, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has said. The new laws which were introduced this year are still in place, officials have confirmed, as the holiday season really starts to get underway as June arrives. Current rules enforce that anyone caught importing items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk into Great Britain will face enforcement actions at customs. Border officials will be on the lookout for contraband food items, with those caught having to either give them up or watch as they're confiscated and disposed of. Officials warn, 'In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.' With foot and mouth disease (FMD) case numbers on the rise across Europe, the UK Government has introduced bans to curb the spread. The prohibition, aimed to protect domestic animal health, farmer livelihoods and UK food security, applies to importing meat and dairy products from cows, sheep, goats, and pigs from the EU for personal use. Officials have confirmed that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses no risk to humans, and there are currently no cases in the UK. However, it is a highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas. Article continues below The outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock. FMD can cause substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy. In response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year, the Government has already prohibited personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products from these countries. The new restrictions apply solely to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated at the launch: 'This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth. That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain's food Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: '. Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs, has issued a warning: 'Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission.' He further emphasised the Government's readiness by stating: 'Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion. I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.' The restrictions have exceptions, however, as Dr Martin-Almagro explains: 'A limited set of exemptions from these rules in place. For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.' Article continues below For more information click here..
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Some farmers can apply for SFI funding, Defra confirms
SOME farmers locked out of SFI mid-application can now access funding, Defra confirms. Farmers who were locked out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme despite being midway through an application will now be allowed to access support. Defra says those who saved their application but didn't submit within two months of the scheme's closure will be allowed to apply up to a maximum of £9,300 per application. It comes after the scheme was shut without any warning in March, sending shockwaves through the farming sector. Defra had said that 'SFI has reached its completion' so stopped accepting new applications with immediate effect, with a revised scheme to follow. With talk of a potential legal challenge to the lack of notice, the government now says the thousands of affected farmers will be supported. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said he is 'addressing the situation and have remade the decision to close the SFI 2024 scheme to new applications, without notice, on March 11'. TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, while welcoming the relaxation said it was not perfect and would not help everyone. Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said it was a 'limited' amount of money, but it did take a 'bit of the sting out of the suddenness of the closure'. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 'The government's abrupt and wholly unacceptable decision to close the scheme was always wrong. While it's good to see an acknowledgement that the decision to close the scheme was flawed, we are disappointed by the constraints imposed which will still leave many farmers unfairly disadvantaged. 'This is a really critical time for the farming industry, and while today's announcement falls short of what our members deserve, this issue highlights the NFU at its very best, working with its members to stand up for what we believe is right.'
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Around 3,000 farmers can apply for closed nature farming scheme after ‘error'
Thousands of farmers who had started applications for nature-friendly farming payments before the scheme was abruptly shut will have the chance to apply for funding. The Government caused uproar when it announced on March 11 that the sustainable farming incentive (SFI), which pays farmers in England for 'public goods' such as insecticide-free farming, wildflower strips and managing ponds and hedgerows, was fully allocated for this year. At the time it said it had stopped accepting new applications for the incentive – the largest part of the new environmental land management (Elms) programme which has replaced EU-era farming subsidies – with immediate effect. But ministers have apologised for confusion caused by a message 'shown in error' when people started an application and saved it, which told them they would receive six weeks' notice if the Government needed to close applications. The message, which was shown alongside one correctly telling farmers their application would be available for two months before being deleted if not submitted, 'should not have been included and I apologise for the confusion it caused', food security and rural affairs minister Daniel Zeichner said. Around 3,000 farmers who started applications after January 12 but had not submitted them when the scheme was halted will now be able to apply for funding up to £9,300 a year – the average value for existing agreements for this year – with restrictions. Mr Zeichner acknowledged the restrictions were not in the original scheme but said they had been put in place to be fair and reasonable to affected applicants while also 'ensuring the prudent use of public money'. In a written ministerial statement Mr Zeichner said the budget for this year's scheme had already been fully allocated and the extra applications would have to be funded from other areas of the Environment Department (Defra's) budget. He also said that 'every penny' committed through more than 37,000 live SFI agreements that were in place before March 11 would continue to be paid to farmers over the coming years, and all eligible applications submitted before applications closed had been taken forward. The Government is planning to reform the SFI scheme and has promised to provide more details about the new programme later in the summer. The announcement comes after the National Farmers' Union (NFU) co-ordinated threatened legal action over Defra's failure to give the proper notice period for the closure of the scheme, claiming more than 6,000 farmers had started applications when the scheme was suddenly scrapped. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: 'The Government's abrupt and wholly unacceptable decision to close the scheme was always wrong. 'While it's good to see an acknowledgement that the decision to close the scheme was flawed, we are disappointed by the constraints imposed which will still leave many farmers unfairly disadvantaged. 'This is a really critical time for the farming industry, and while today's announcement falls short of what our members deserve, this issue highlights the NFU at its very best, working with its members to stand up for what we believe is right.' Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), said: 'The Government's decision to review the position of farmers who had started to put SFI applications in is welcome. 'The speed of closure was harsh and didn't give the six weeks' notification stated on the website. 'However, this doesn't help all the farmers who were not able to get their applications started due to work pressures. There is also a clear need to improve the system for SFI.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Around 3,000 farmers can apply for closed nature farming scheme after ‘error'
Thousands of farmers who had started applications for nature-friendly farming payments before the scheme was abruptly shut will have the chance to apply for funding. The Government caused uproar when it announced on March 11 that the sustainable farming incentive (SFI), which pays farmers in England for 'public goods' such as insecticide-free farming, wildflower strips and managing ponds and hedgerows, was fully allocated for this year. At the time it said it had stopped accepting new applications for the incentive – the largest part of the new environmental land management (Elms) programme which has replaced EU-era farming subsidies – with immediate effect. But ministers have apologised for confusion caused by a message 'shown in error' when people started an application and saved it, which told them they would receive six weeks' notice if the Government needed to close applications. The message, which was shown alongside one correctly telling farmers their application would be available for two months before being deleted if not submitted, 'should not have been included and I apologise for the confusion it caused', food security and rural affairs minister Daniel Zeichner said. Around 3,000 farmers who started applications after January 12 but had not submitted them when the scheme was halted will now be able to apply for funding up to £9,300 a year – the average value for existing agreements for this year – with restrictions. Mr Zeichner acknowledged the restrictions were not in the original scheme but said they had been put in place to be fair and reasonable to affected applicants while also 'ensuring the prudent use of public money'. In a written ministerial statement Mr Zeichner said the budget for this year's scheme had already been fully allocated and the extra applications would have to be funded from other areas of the Environment Department (Defra's) budget. He also said that 'every penny' committed through more than 37,000 live SFI agreements that were in place before March 11 would continue to be paid to farmers over the coming years, and all eligible applications submitted before applications closed had been taken forward. The Government is planning to reform the SFI scheme and has promised to provide more details about the new programme later in the summer. The announcement comes after the National Farmers' Union (NFU) co-ordinated threatened legal action over Defra's failure to give the proper notice period for the closure of the scheme, claiming more than 6,000 farmers had started applications when the scheme was suddenly scrapped. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: 'The Government's abrupt and wholly unacceptable decision to close the scheme was always wrong. 'While it's good to see an acknowledgement that the decision to close the scheme was flawed, we are disappointed by the constraints imposed which will still leave many farmers unfairly disadvantaged. 'This is a really critical time for the farming industry, and while today's announcement falls short of what our members deserve, this issue highlights the NFU at its very best, working with its members to stand up for what we believe is right.' Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), said: 'The Government's decision to review the position of farmers who had started to put SFI applications in is welcome. 'The speed of closure was harsh and didn't give the six weeks' notification stated on the website. 'However, this doesn't help all the farmers who were not able to get their applications started due to work pressures. There is also a clear need to improve the system for SFI.'
