I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief. The debate took place ahead of the upcoming budget and severed as an opportunity for MPs of all parties to raise concerns with Treasury ministers. Many small businesses – including those in my constituency – have expressed anxiety about changes to or the abolition of these property reliefs, which form a critical part of overall business planning and support the sustainability of the rural economy. Prior to the election the Federation of Small Businesses believed that they had received commitments on inheritance tax and property relief from the Labour party. I seek the reiteration of those commitments and will oppose any effort to increases these taxes on hard-working farmers and family businesses.
