The Farmers Mart Summer 2017 - Issue 51 | Page 29

Farm News

CHAMPIONS OF DAIRY INDUSTRY HONOURED BY DAIRY UK AWARD

»»
TWO DAIRY CHAMPIONS HAVE BEEN recognised for their invaluable contribution to the dairy industry.
Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Simon Hoare MP are this year’ s winners of the Dairy UK Award.
Commissioner Phil Hogan was honoured with the award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to support dairy exports and ensuring the industry is of strategic importance within Europe. The award was presented by Dr David Dobbin, chairman of Dairy UK, during the Dairy UK Annual Dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on 21st June 2017.
Simon Hoare MP most notably chairs the Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group( APPG) and is currently leading an inquiry into skills and labour in the British dairy industry. Simon also played an integral role in ensuring the exemption of milk-based drinks from the soft drinks industry levy last year. His award was presented by Gyles Brandreth, author, broadcaster, actor, and former Conservative MP.
Speaking at the annual industry dinner, Dr David Dobbin, chairman of Dairy UK, said:“ Both winners work tirelessly to promote the dairy industry from farm to
fridge. It’ s important that we have key decision makers like Commissioner Hogan and Simon Hoare MP to ensure that the industry is protected at home and abroad.
“ Commissioner Hogan’ s advocacy for food and farming has made a real difference, especially for farmers.
“ Additionally, Simon’ s proactive leadership in the Dairy APPG has helped to ensure that the interests of the industry are centre stage.”
On receiving his award, Commissioner Phil Hogan added:“ I want to thank Dairy UK for this award- it is a real honour. As someone who grew up on a small dairy farm in Ireland, the industry has always been an important part of my life. The Commission will continue to stand by the sector and I will do anything in my power to support it as we move ahead.”
Simon Hoare MP, said:“ It is a pleasure and duty to speak up for, champion and encourage our vital UK dairy industry.”

PROBATE CHANGES WILL HIT NORTH- EAST’ S FARMERS & LANDOWNERS

»»
DARLINGTON-BASED Latimer Hinks Solicitors is warning that upcoming changes to probate fees are a‘ stealth tax’ and will leave many people in the region out of pocket.
Obtaining a Grant of Probate, or letters of administration if there is no will, is the process by which executors secure the authority to deal with the property, investments and money of someone who has died.
From May 2017 the way probate fees are charged changed to use a banded system based on the value of the deceased’ s estate, moving away from the current flat fee of £ 215 for private applications( or £ 155 when a solicitor handles the process). The changes
mean a charge of up to £ 20,000 will be made before Probate is granted and before assets can be released. £ 20,000 will be charged for estates over £ 2m, £ 12,000 will be charged for estates of between £ 1.6 and £ 2m.
Latimer Hinks’ Chief Executive Anne Elliott( pictured) believes the changes are unfair. She said:“ These changes, which are already attracting media and political criticism, are all well and good for people with large bank balances, but for people who are‘ asset-rich but cash-poor’ as is often the case, particularly in the North East, these changes are an unfair financial burden.
“ This could well hit the landowning and farming
community in the region particularly hard. A farm may easily be worth in excess of £ 2m on paper, but finding £ 20,000 in cash to pay Probate fees could be problematic. For Inheritance Tax purposes the farm could well be exempt from tax but now there will be what amounts to another tax. Some clients may need to take, extend or increase loans to cover the fees.”
Anne also questioned the reasoning behind the changes:“ Ultimately the service delivered by the Probate Registry is the same whether it is an estate valued at £ 10,000 or £ 1m, so why should the cost be any different? It just adds to the cost of our already immensely complex system of taxation.”
www. recognitionpr. co. uk Twitter @ Recognition1st www. Facebook. com / recognitionpr 4 Pioneer Court, Morton Palms, Darlington, DL1 4WD T- 01325 363436 F- 01325 353471 LLP Number OC302724 Recognition Services Ltd
www. farmers-mart. co. uk Summer 2017 29