Agenda

To confirm the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 September 2024.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

In accordance with the Constitution, Members of the Council may answer questions from the public of which notice has been given.

One question has been received at the time of publication. All confirmed questions will be circulated after the deadline.

Deadline for questions – Thursday 28 November, 12pm

In accordance with the Constitution, a Member may ask the Leader, Portfolio Holder or the Chair of the Council, a question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the Borough.

Eighteen (18) questions have been received at the time of publication. All confirmed questions will be circulated after the deadline.

Deadline for questions – Thursday 28 November

In accordance with the Constitution, motions on notice must be signed by at least two Members and be about matters for which the Council has a responsibility or which affect the Melton Borough.

Three motions were received by the deadline.

Inheritance tax changes for family-run farms

The following motion was received from Councillor Allnatt (Seconded by Councillor Adcock).

Council notes the letter sent by the Leader to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and others concerning the announcements in the recent Budget concerning inheritance tax as it affects “family run” farms.

Council therefore urges the Government to implement fiscal changes in a more nuanced and selective way and to avoid unintended consequences for those who the Prime Minister described as the “backbone” of a nation that seeks to produce more food sustainably within the UK.

Impact of inheritance tax changes upon family farms

The following motion was received from Councillor S. Orson (Seconded by Councillor Sharp).

Council notes that:

·       The recent 2024 Autumn Budget change to Inheritance Tax relief announced by the Labour Government will introduce a Family Farm Tax and will have a detrimental impact on Family Farms and farmers’ ability to pass on their farms to the next generation of farmers.

Council believes that:

·       The Labour Government have committed a shameful betrayal and let down farmers by breaking their promise to not introduce a Family Farm Tax.

·       The Family Farm Tax will damage the ability of farmers to pass on their farms to their children.

·       Labour’s Family Farm Tax will threaten food security by forcing the sale of family farms.

·       The Labour Government’s Family Farm Tax will make British food production harder.

·       The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed and Keir Starmer promised not to introduce a tax like this.

·       Numerous rural and farming organisations such as the National Farmers Union and Country Land and Business Association have warned that countless farms will be harmed, threatening food security and rural areas.

·       The comments made by Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed that already struggling farmers will have to ‘do more with less’ show distain for farmers and the sector.

·       At a time when many farmers in the Borough of Melton are struggling with soaring costs and energy prices, this sudden tax rise will damage the future of their farms.

Council resolves:

·       To request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.

·       That the Portfolio Holder for Town Centre, Growth & Prosperity engages with local farmers and community representatives on what support Council can do to support them.

·       That a list must be published of affected farms.

National Insurance Contribution Increases

The following motion was received from Councillor Child (Seconded by Councillor Browne).

Melton Borough Council notes with concern the recent increase in Employers National Insurance Contributions. This Council  ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2024/25.

To consider a report on the Gambling Act 2005, Statement of Principles 2025-2028.