Budget Anti-Rural and Anti-Farming: MSP
The farming and rural communities in Angus and Perthshire will be hard hit by the 11th Budget of the Chancellor as the budget phases out the Agricultural Buildings Allowance, fuel costs are to rise and drivers of 4 x 4 vehicles – essential in operating a farming business – will face large increases in their taxation.
This is the view of MSP Murdo Fraser who believes that the Labour Government in Westminster and the Lib-Lab Scottish Executive do not understand the needs of the rural community, and are presiding over the slow death of Scotland’s farming sector.
Commenting on 23 March upon the budget, the MSP said: “It does nothing to help the farming or rural community in Scotland. The Agricultural Buildings Allowance is to be phased out, fuel costs are to rise and small rural businesses will have to pay more tax after this budget. |
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Industry Demise
“Also, the Chancellor has once again shown that he knows nothing about the rural way of life as he is failing to recognise that 4 x 4 vehicles are an essential part of operating a farming business and are needed to get around in many parts of rural Perthshire and Angus. The doubling of the road tax for 4 x 4 vehicles shows a total ignorance of how rural Scotland operates and will hit many farms and rural families”.
He continued: “There is real frustration across the farming community that the issues affecting them are being ignored by the Labour Government in Westminster and by this Scottish Executive. Farming is extremely important in Perth & Kinross and Angus. It is the livelihood to many people and they are important local businesses but it seems the attack on farming by the Chancellor, coupled with the Executive’s inaction, is allowing the demise of the farming industry
Code of Practice
“I believe that we should set up a Code of Practice between supermarkets and farmers. This would be a voluntary agreement between supermarkets and farmers which would foster respect from one another and allow themselves to regulate their market. If need be, we should look at making this legally enforceable if the supermarkets fail to adhere by the code.
“It is clear that our country needs a successful and strong farming sector. With much debate surrounding climate change, I believe that the food we buy must have as few ‘carbon miles’ as possible. For this to happen, we must have a vibrant farming community in Perth & Kinross and Angus. I urge local residents to support our farmers and shop at local Farmers’ Markets where possible. I will continue to stand up for a better deal for our farmers and we must let the Chancellor and the Scottish Executive know that they must do much more to support this vital industry.”
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