‘They’ve thrown Cumbria’s farmers to the wolves’ – Tim Farron reacts to Budget

Commenting on the reductions in agricultural property relief on inheritance tax announced in today’s Budget, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron said: “The victims of the Chancellor’s Agricultural Property Relief changes will be hardworking tenant farmers here in Cumbria and across the country.  

“She is incentivising large landowners to enact a new Lakeland clearances. Small family owned farms will also be hit by this and will be forced to sell up, with young people robbed of their opportunity to farm. ‘

“And hidden deep in the Budget document is a strong hint that the Government may cut the farming budget.

“Tory failure and betrayal on agriculture has now been compounded by Labour who have thrown farmers and food production to the wolves.

“Liberal Democrats will fight this every step of the way.”

Meanwhile commenting on the announcements on infrastructure projects, Tim said: “I am deeply frustrated that the Government has decided to kick the can down the road on making decisions on vital projects to upgrade the A66 and to rebuild Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

“The dualling of the A66 is so important to reducing congesting, boosting our economy and saving lives.

“Meanwhile Royal Lancaster Infirmary is sadly no longer fit for purpose, and a new hospital at a more accessible site is desperately needed.

“Local people should not be forced to wait until next year to hear a decision on these important projects.”