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 recognises the significant role that small businesses play in the local economy of Melton Borough, providing essential services, employment, and contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of our communities.
The deeply unpopular Budget proposals put forward by the Labour Government on October 30, which will have catastrophic implications for the Borough of Melton, its residents and businesses. Labour’s broken promise to not raise national insurance.
The rise in employer national insurance contributions has been widely condemned by many businesses including GP’s, who argue it could hit services for patients.
The Institute of General Practice Management, which represents GP Practice Managers has estimated the rise will put up the tax bill of the average surgery by around £20,000 a year.
Care homes across the Borough of Melton are also targeted by this Labour Party Budget and the devastating financial effect of these higher costs will have dire consequences for its residents and staff.
The Borough’s charity and voluntary sectors have also been hit hard.
The NCVO which represents the UK’s charities and voluntary sector has estimated the additional costs to the sector to be around £1.4 Billion a year and that the decision to not create an exemption will be another major strain on their limited resources at time when they are already struggling.
This Council believes that the increase in Employers National Insurance Contributions will disproportionately affect small businesses, placing an undue financial burden on them at a time when many are still recovering from the economic impacts of the high inflation and high interest rates.
Therefore, this Council resolves to:
1) Write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a reversal of the increase in Employers National Insurance Contributions.
2) Highlight the critical contributions of small businesses, health and voluntary sector to our local economy and the disproportionate impact these increases will have on them.
3) Advocate for policies that support and sustain the growth and stability of small businesses, health and voluntary sector in our Borough.
This Council calls on all members of the Council to support this motion and stand in solidarity with our local small businesses, health and voluntary sector.