Scottish Conservative councillor James MacLaren says he was “pleased to be able” to show his support for farmers in the fight against Labour’s plan to re-introduce an inheritance tax to agricultural assets, including farmland, of over £1 million
Councillor MacLaren, who represents the Bridge of Weir, Bishopton and Langbank ward joined the rally after it had headed off from Hamilton Brothers in Bishopton.
He says that it was great to have the opportunity to speak to local farmers who could be “devastated” by the plans announced in Rachel Reeves’ Budget last year.
At the moment, farmland is exempt from inheritance tax under a policy called “Agricultural Property Relief” (APR). In the last Budget, the Chancellor announced that she will end that exemption by restricting APR.
The cut to APR will mean that from April 2026, a tax of 20% will apply to agricultural assets over £1 million.
Councillor MacLaren says he is urging Labour’s Chancellor to listen to farmers and do the right thing and drop the ‘family farm tax’.
He says that it would have a “deeply damaging” impact on communities across the region and destroy generations of family farming.
Scottish Conservative Councillor James MacLaren said: “I was pleased to be able to join local farmers in the latest rally against Labour’s cruel Family Farm Tax.
“I was not surprised they were out in force given how angry they feel about Labour’s plans which could have a devastating effect on them.
“If Rachel Reeves presses ahead with the family farm tax, it will have a deeply damaging effect on many of our communities and destroy generations of family farming.
“The Labour chancellor must look at rallies like the one I attended and do the right thing. I will continue to stand alongside farmers until Rachel Reeves does a U-turn and axes the Family Farm Tax.”
Photo: Councillor James MacLaren with farmers at the rally which started at Hamilton Brothers in Bishopton
Photo Credit: Scottish Conservative Party