Suffolk County Council slams family farm tax and pledges support for local farmers 

The motion, proposed by councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, and seconded by councillor TJ Haworth-Culf, condemns family farm tax. 

Councillors said that the policy is threatening the viability of Suffolk’s farming sector and putting our nation’s food security at risk.  

The motion passed with 56 councillors in support, one abstention, and four councillors voting against. 

Conservative councillors, farmers, and campaigners from the Countryside Alliance and the National Farmers Union (NFU), gathered on the steps of Endeavour House in protest, calling for an immediate reversal of the policy.  

The demonstration was a powerful statement of solidarity, with participants highlighting their concerns that the policy would threaten the future of family-run farms across the county.  

Direct threat to farming community

Suffolk County Council said that the motion expresses deep concern over how the changes to APR will impact local farmers, with analysis from the NFU indicating that 75% of working farms could be at risk.  

This motion builds on the commitment the council made in October 2023, when it passed a previous motion to support the county’s farmers by ensuring that all catering at council-organised events is, where possible, sourced from local farms, and by encouraging residents to support Suffolk’s meat, dairy, and arable producers. 

Councillor Matthew Hicks said: “We believe the changes to Agricultural Property Relief represent a direct threat to our farming community. These policies undermine the future of family farms in Suffolk and could have long-lasting effects on the food we produce.  

“I am proud that Suffolk County Council has taken a stand in opposition to the Family Farm Tax. The protest we saw on the steps of Endeavour House today shows just how deeply this issue resonates with our communities.  

“It is a clear reminder that we must do everything we can to protect local farmers and their communities, who play an essential role in sustaining our rural economy and food security.”  

Increased development of large-scale solar farms

Additionally, the motion addressed the government’s target of decarbonising the electricity grid by 2030, which could lead to increased development of large-scale solar farms on the county’s best and most versatile farmland.  

National Grid’s Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) Register reveals that thousands of acres of farmland in Suffolk have already been offered connections for solar farms. 

Councillor TJ Haworth-Culf added: “We support the move to decarbonise, but it should not come at the expense of Suffolk’s best farmland.  

“The government’s 2030 target is pushing us towards the unnecessary industrialisation of our landscape. We must find a balance that protects both our environment and the vital work of our farmers. Solar farms should not be placed on land that is crucial for food production.” 

In response to these concerns, Suffolk County Council has committed to writing to the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP and the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP to formally express its opposition to these policies. The Council will also invite representatives from the Suffolk NFU to meet with the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council to discuss ways to support Suffolk’s farmers. 

This motion has been welcomed by rural campaigners, including Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, who said: “We are pleased to see Suffolk County Council taking a strong stance in support of our farming community.  

“The changes to APR are a serious threat to the future of family farming, and we appreciate the Council’s commitment to standing up for Suffolk farmers. We hope other councils will follow suit.” 

The Suffolk County Council said it remains firmly committed to protecting the interests of its farming community and preserving the county’s rural landscape.  

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