Siân Gwenllian MS Calls for Welsh Government Action on Inheritance Tax Threat to Family Farms
Siân Gwenllian MS has urged the Welsh Government to take decisive action in assessing the potential impact of inheritance tax changes on family farms and rural communities. Speaking in the Senedd this week, she raised concerns about the far-reaching consequences that any alteration to inheritance tax could have on Wales’ agricultural sector, food production, and the future of the Welsh language.
“We’ve heard a number of times in this Chamber about the damaging impact that changes to inheritance tax could have on family farms and rural communities. And, whilst I understand that this is a decision taken by another Government – and there’s been no change announced today, by the way – isn’t there a responsibility on you not only to convey the arguments, but also to assess the possible impact on Wales – for example, to assess the impact of the change on the ability of Wales to produce food into the future and how that aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015; for example, to assess the impact of the change on the use of the Welsh language and how the threat to the family farm aligns with the ‘Cymraeg 2050’ strategy?
“Having assessed and uncovered the impact, your Government could create a better argument over the need to either reverse the change or for taking steps to mitigate its impact.”
Siân Gwenllian has consistently championed the interests of rural communities and the agricultural sector, highlighting the integral role family farms play in preserving the Welsh language, sustaining local economies, and contributing to national food security.
She has now called on the Welsh Government to undertake a thorough assessment of these risks and develop a robust case to protect family farms from any detrimental changes.
By ensuring that these concerns are formally evaluated, the Government will be in a stronger position to challenge policy changes that could undermine Wales’ rural communities and cultural heritage.
