Intervening in the Opposition Day debate on farming and inheritance tax, James Cleverly raises concerns about the impact of the inheritance tax changes announced in the Budget on farming families and their mental health.
Mr James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con)
I have had correspondence from an agricultural accountant in my constituency who says that, since the Budget, his job has changed from being an accountant to being a counsellor as more and more farmers contact him with serious concerns about their mental health, because of the fear that has been introduced by this policy and the fact that their children are now telling them that they do not want to go into the family farm.
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. Farming is a lonely existence at times, and farmers have traditionally suffered from mental health difficulties. This policy is making things far worse, and for small family farms it really is devastating.