66 farms in Lewes constituency could be hit by "family farm tax" as local MP calls on Govt to reverse the hike

66 farms in Lewes constituency could be hit by the "family farm tax" following the government's decision to cut inheritance tax relief for farms with local MP James MacCleary calling on the government to scrap the tax hike on farms.

The government has previously said that 27% of farms will be affected by the changes which cut the levels of inheritance tax relief for farmers in a move that James MacCleary has said could ring the "death knell" for family farms in Lewes.

If 27% of farms in Lewes were to be hit by these changes, 66 would be hit by the government's "family farm tax". Local MP James MacCleary has called on the government to scrap the "family farm tax" and take up Liberal Democrat proposals to put forward an additional £1 billion a year in support for farmers.

Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, James MacCleary MP said: "Sussex is home to an incredible array of farms, from top-tier beer and wine producers to those providing essential food for our communities. 

"Farming has been a big part of my family and upbringing, so I know first hand how important family farms are. Farms are not only a big part of our rural culture but also as stewards of our land, and we see farmers taking great care, including introducing sustainable techniques like regenerative farming. Family farms play a vital role in ensuring food security, protecting the countryside, and fostering innovation in land management.

"This government's new tax on family farms is a disastrous blow that risks undermining these essential pillars of our rural economy. It sadly could be the death knell for some family farms. For years, Sussex farmers have been forced to endure unfair trade deals and income cuts due to the Conservative Party's persistent neglect of rural communities. Now, this new government's tax hike threatens to push family farms to the breaking point.

“The Chancellor must urgently reverse this policy, scrap the family farm tax, and consider the Liberal Democrat proposal to invest an additional £1 billion annually in support for farmers, ensuring a strong, sustainable future for British agriculture.”

The number of farms affected by constituency can be found here.

According to the government 73% of farms will not be affected meaning 27% will be. Extrapolated across all farms by constituency, an estimate of the number of farms in each constituency affected has been reached.