Previous Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the last Budget in spring, which saw some welcome assurances on agricultural property relief and devolved funding for rural areas, but also faced criticism from the NFU on the removal of tax reliefs for Furnished Holiday Lettings.
New chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the budget on 30 October after which MPs will spend several days debating the plans before being asked to approve the proposals.
In his letter to the Chancellor NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It has been reassuring to hear the new government recognise that food security is national security.”
The NFU President said he was heartened to hear the Prime Minister’s words when he delivered a keynote speech at the NFU’s Conference last year, saying that a Labour government would seek a new relationship with the countryside and farming communities on this basis.
“What farmers, growers and the public now need to see are practical policies that deliver on this shared mission,” Tom added.
“I seriously hope the Chancellor will consider announcing policies at the Autumn Budget to give farmers across the country the security and confidence to be able to plan for the future and grow their businesses.
“The UK’s farmers are ambitious for the future, and with policies that revitalise farm business confidence, the government can kickstart economic growth, deliver affordable, climate friendly, high welfare food production, improve the environment and stimulate clean energy supply.
“I truly believe we can deliver these shared ambitions, as long as the government works hand in hand with the agriculture industry to achieve this.”
