The new government鈥檚 first budget will be announced on 30 October and questions are already being asked about how the Labour administration plans to fill the 鈥溌�22 billion black hole鈥� Sir Keir Starmer has quoted as left over from the previous government.
This Autumn Budget will be like no other, with huge pressure on departmental budgets as the Chancellor seeks savings across government.
The agriculture budget is as much in the firing line as any other, and we need MPs to understand just how important it is not only for food security, but for the environment and economic growth.
Speaking on the ninth, annual Back British Farming Day, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 鈥淲hile in opposition we heard consistently from Labour that food security is national security. The Prime Minister, speaking at NFU Conference last year, pledged that Labour 鈥榓spires to govern for every corner of our country, and will seek a new relationship with the countryside and farming communities on this basis, a relationship based on respect and on genuine partnership鈥�.
鈥淲e now need to see those ambitions realised. Today we鈥檙e calling on government to truly value UK food security by delivering a renewed and enhanced multi-annual agriculture budget of 拢5.6 billion on the 30 October.
鈥淭his budget is essential in giving Britain鈥檚 farmers and growers the confidence they desperately need to invest for the future and deliver on our joint ambitions on producing more sustainable, affordable homegrown food while creating more jobs and delivering for nature, energy security and climate-friendly farming.鈥�
Hold the government to account on this promise and .
Budget breakdown
Independent work from the Andersons Centre commissioned by the NFU has suggested an annual budget in England of around 拢4 billion is needed:
- around 拢2.7 billion to meet the government鈥檚 environmental goals
- 拢615 million for driving productivity
- 拢720 million to support the economic stability of agricultural businesses
Respecting the nature of devolved government, we estimate this would translate to a UK-wide budget of around 拢5.6 billion.
This will allow a fair transition away from the old EU system, to one that delivers public good for public funds, gives farmers the confidence to invest, and makes the government鈥檚 aims around sustainable food production, food security, the environment and net zero possible.
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What is the Autumn Budget?
The Budget is a statement made by the Chancellor to MPs in the House of Commons, presenting the government鈥檚 plans for the economy, including changes to taxation and spending.
After the Budget statement, MPs may be asked to approve immediate changes to some taxes. There is then a debate in the Commons, normally lasting four days.
This year鈥檚 budget will be the first for the new government following the general election and will be their chance to take forward some of their manifesto pledges.
