Lincolnshire county councillor issues warning about future of farming

Lincolnshire's environment chief has issued a stark warning about the future of British farming.

Speaking at this year's Lincolnshire Show, county council executive member for environment Danny Brookes warned the farming industry could be heading for a crisis if the government continues to push its net zero targets and presses ahead with controversial changes to inheritance tax.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined changes to Inheritance Tax rules in her autumn budget, specifically affecting Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief on farmland and business assets.

Previously, farmland was largely exempt under APR but, from April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1 million will be subject to a 20% tax.

“It seems like everything is designed to finish farming off,” said the Reform UK councillor, while attending the county’s 140th show, which celebrates Lincolnshire’s agricultural roots.

He stressed the need to protect food security, highlighting Lincolnshire’s reputation as the nation’s breadbasket.

“It’s alright getting rid of all these farmers’ fields for solar farms and pylons and what have you, but if you haven’t got food security and you’re having to buy food from abroad, it’s as bad as buying energy from them.”

Also referring to National Grid’s Grimsby to Walpole pylon scheme, Coun Brookes highlighted Reform UK’s stance on the number of major infrastructure projects being considered for the county.

“We’re against the pylons and we’re against solar farms, and hopefully government will see sense and take notice of Lincolnshire people.”

While visiting RAF Waddington in March, Mrs Reeves defended the changes Inheritance Tax, insisting: “We got the balance right in the budget. We have an inheritance tax for farms that is half the rate of inheritance tax that other people face, and it doesn’t kick in until a farm is worth around £3 million. That is why only around a third of estates will be affected by this tax at all, and there is a ten-year interest period to pay any tax due.

“That is the right balance while we fix our public finances and ensure we have the money to invest in our public services, including defence, which is increasingly important in the uncertain world we live in today.”