NORTH Cornwall’s MP has said that he will be pushing the Farming Minister to scrap the proposed changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) rate.

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, has has said that these changes, dubbed the “Family Farm Tax,” threaten to burden family-run farms with steep inheritance tax bills, placing hundreds of North Cornwall farms at risk.

Mr Maguire has been very vocal following the announcement at the Autumn budget, condemning the government’s move to reduce APR levels “as yet another blow to rural livelihoods”. Family farms, which form the backbone of many rural communities and contribute to the region’s food security, face significant financial challenges under the new tax provisions.

Mr Maguire said: “Our local farmers have already weathered years of hardship from unfavourable trade deals and income cuts.

“This new tax hike could be the death knell for many family farms in North Cornwall. I will be making the case directly to the minister in my meeting tomorrow to scrap this damaging policy and support our farmers instead.

“It’s time for the government to reverse course and adopt measures that protect the future of farming, not jeopardise it.”