Three in five Brits expect food prices to rise because of family farm tax

EMBARGO: 22.30 Sunday 24th November 2024

Shocking new research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals that almost 60% of Brits expect food prices to rise because of the Family Farm Tax announced in the Budget. The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to reject the government's Finance Bill, given the impact of the budget on family farms.

The ways in which Brits are planning to cope with the price increase are even more worrying, with almost half (44%) of those expecting rises admitting they will buy cheaper alternatives if food prices do rise. 

A further 35% of  those expecting rises reveal that they will cut back on the food they buy as a direct result of the tax hike revealed by the government in the budget. 

The poll reveals the serious effect food price rises could have on people’s health. With 18% of those expecting rises revealing they are likely to buy less fresh fruit and vegetables if prices go up because of the family farm tax. 

The impact on small businesses and the high street is also apparent, with 20% of this group saying they will look to shop from bigger supermarkets. This is another hit to small businesses already concerned about the rise in employers' NIC increase, and the impact the bus fare cap may have on people visiting their local high street.  

The Liberal Democrats are urging the government to scrap the family farm tax, arguing that the impact of the tax hike goes far beyond farming communities. Brits across the country are worried about the price of their food shop increasing as a result. The party have tabled an amendment to reject the government's Finance Bill, given the impact of the budget on family farms.

The Liberal Democrats are also urging the government to support their pledge to commit an extra £1bn boost to the farming budget as well as expanding free-school meals for all children in poverty. 

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain MP said: 

“We will fight this disastrous tax hike every step of the way, and make sure that the voices of rural communities are represented in Westminster. We understand the impact of this tax hike goes beyond rural communities- families and pensioners across the country will also be hit if food prices go up. 

“The Chancellor’s budget shows that the new government does not understand rural communities or farmers and how critical they are to food security, to the protection of our natural environment and to the British economy.

“We are urging the government to axe the tax now, or else the impact will be felt for millions across the country already struggling to make ends meet.”

ENDS