The Farmers Mart Summer 2017 - Issue 51 | Page 29

Farm News

CHAMPIONS OF DAIRY INDUSTRY HONOURED BY DAIRY UK AWARD

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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

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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 .”
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