Economy

Amid growing unrest from farmers over a proposed Inheritance Tax announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget, the Defra Secretary has faced pressure for the number of farms he has visited since July 5

"We are calling on the Chancellor to meet and run a formal consultation, to find a solution that will protect the long-term interests of family businesses and farms and, crucially the jobs and investment they provide"

The Office for National Statistics said GDP fell 0.1% in October 2024. Services showed 'no growth', while Production (-0.6%) and construction (-0.4%) both fell.

First Minister John Swinney said his Government would return the £46 million taken away from the agriculture Budget in previous years but could not guarantee a commitment to longer-term funding due to only having 'information' for one financial year

"The unequivocal case for an increased, ring-fenced and multi-annual UK farming budget was made clear once again"

"I foresee years of friction if this goes ahead"

Aaron and Partners' Mark Turner delves into what the clause means, the sector’s reaction, and what impact the changes will have on diversification in farming

Hard working people on middle incomes such as teachers and nurses have been squeezed out of renting in rural towns and villages in southern England, reveals new analysis from CPRE, the countryside charity

The manifesto includes an 18-point plan of how the rural advisory group aims to help 'influence and shape' the future of the countryside, agriculture and food

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveils a 'mixed bag' budget for farmers as General Election nears