Independent cllr. Neil Johnson has been out and about meeting local farmers in the villages of Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft.
He has used the opportunity to make clear his opposition to Labour’s “farm tax”, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Cllr. Johnson said:”Farmers are the lifeblood of our villages. The contribution they make to our economy and food chain is immeasurable.
“I have made it clear to all the farmers I have met that, as their independent voice in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, I am completely opposed to the family farm tax introduce by my former Party. I am very disappointed that Labour would slap this tax on the farming community. It makes me despair. Along with the decision to scrap Winter Fuel Allowance, it feels like a betrayal of all the people who voted Labour in the General Election this year.
“The local Labour Party have posted information on Facebook which tries to minimise the effects of their tax. It is obvious that they don’t have anyone who understands the economy running their social media, because all the farmers I have spoken to know as well as I do that this new tax will threaten our food security, risk jobs and lead to food prices rising.
“At the General Election, Charlotte Nichols posed for yet another photo and said she was backing British farming. Now I call on her and my fellow ward councillors Matt Smith and Janet Seddon to join me in opposing this disgraceful family farm tax. I invite them to join me in a meeting with local farmers from Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft to hear their concerns and really understand the impact this tax will have. Will they take up my offer, or are they frit?
“I also encourage all farmers to use their vote on 28th November at the Parish Council by-elections.
“It has been a pleasure to meet with and talk to many of the local farmers who I represent over the past week. Rest assured I will continue to be their independent voice and speak up for them and the contribution they make to our community.”
