62% of Scots expect food prices to rise because of family farm tax 

Shocking new research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 62% of Scots expect food prices to rise because of the Family Farm Tax announced in the Budget.

The ways in which Scots are planning to cope with the price increase are even more worrying, with 40% of those expecting rises admitting they will buy cheaper alternatives if food prices do rise.

A further 29% 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 22% 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 30% 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. Pensioners and families across Scotland are worried about the price of their food shop increasing as a result.

The party 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, Scottish Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain MP said:

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

“The budget has proven 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, if not the impact felt by communities across Scotland who are already struggling to make ends meet will be catastrophic."