Labour councillors oppose Rachel Reeves over farm tax

Labour councillors in Durham County have expressed strong opposition to a new farm tax proposed in recent government budget announcements. A motion was passed by 39 councillors, mostly from Labour, during a meeting this week. The motion criticized the government’s decisions and called for support for local farmers. The motion was initiated by the Conservative leader, Richard Bell. He highlighted the council's concerns regarding taxes on agricultural assets worth over £1 million, which will start in April 2026. There has also been significant frustration over the government's decision to stop new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. Clare Wise, a local farmer and chair of the NFU North Riding and Durham County, praised the council’s action. She emphasized the importance of family farming to the region's economy and noted the negative impact of current government policies on farmers' incomes. Wise said that local farmers deserve better support. Moreover, Wise thanked the council for standing up for the farming community by voting for the motion. She highlighted that this collective action sends a "strong message" to the government about the challenges facing farmers today. The situation has led to tensions within Labour, as the party faces divisions over its stance on farming issues.