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Motion A
 
Councillor David Woan proposed the
recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Oliver
Patrick.
 
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the
Council Resolved to write to the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing concern about the
impact of the Government’s tax changes on the future of
farming in Somerset.
 
Motion B
 
Councillor Faye Purbrick proposed the
recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Lucy
Trimnell.
 
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the
Council Resolved to:-

·      
Declare opposition to the Labour Government’s changes to
inheritance tax affecting family farms.

·      
Write to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and the DEFRA Secretary,
along with all Somerset MPs, outlining our opposition to this tax
change and the scale of the impact to Somerset and our rural
economy.

·      
Advocate through all available means for the continued APR
exemption of family farms to preserve the UK's food security, our
rural communities, and environmental initiatives.
 
Motion C
 
Councillor Lucy Trimnell proposed the
recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Faye
Purbrick.
 
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the
Council Resolved to:-

1)   
Recognise and note the significant contribution made to our local
economy and food supplies by our hard-working farmers, particularly
our meat and dairy producers who account for the majority of
Somerset farming produce.

2)   
Strengthen our partnerships with arable, livestock, and dairy
farmers to support and enhance Somerset’s iconic countryside
and would seek to oppose unnecessary additional pressures such as
the hike in employers National Insurance contributions and
Inheritance Tax on farmers.

3)   
Make a commitment to support local farmers, growers, and the food
and drink sector by ensuring, where possible, that food and
beverages served at council-organised events were sourced from
local suppliers. This would include meat and dairy, alongside
fruit, vegetable and cereal products, reflecting the full diversity
of Somerset's agricultural output.

4)   
As part of Somerset Council’s efforts to address
environmental priorities, the Council would explore ways to
encourage residents to shop locally whenever possible. This would
include promoting home-grown, affordable, and nutritious produce to
reduce food miles, boost the local economy, and support our farming
community.