CLA comments on OBR's update on the impact of inheritance tax changes

THE CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) updated data (published:- 22 January) on the impact of Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes as contained in the Autumn 2024 Budget.

• The OBR outlined that it would only make £500m by 2029.
  

• That it will be:- 'difficult' in the medium term for businesses to change their tax planning.
  

• There is a high degree of uncertainty over how much will be raised due to the data being dependent on behavioural changes.

The CIA is concerned that these figures do not take account the damage done to the wider economy in terms of people holding back investment and reconsidering their future plans.

CLA President Victoria Vyvyan said:- "It is clear that neither the Treasury nor the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has fully considered the impact on the economy of these tax reforms. Ministers have repeatedly said that the OBR had certified their claims, but the truth is that the OBR themselves say there is a high degree of uncertainty as to how much money will be raised, if any at all. But we do know that farmers and small business owners are pulling investment, cancelling machinery orders and considering whether their businesses are viable for the long term. This means fewer jobs, less food security, less growth and less money going into the Exchequer to pay for public services. Government must put these reforms out to a meaningful consultation, so that Treasury can truly understand the damage they are doing."

CLA responds to a survey by the Institute of Health Visiting

RESPONDING to a survey by the Institute of Health Visiting, which warns of soaring demand for health visitor support and large gaps in provision across the UK, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board said:- "This survey paints a deeply concerning picture of the challenges faced by families with babies and young children. Rising levels of need and complexity, coupled with a decline in the health visiting workforce, are leaving many without the critical early support that can transform lives. Urgent action is needed to rebuild and strengthen the health visiting workforce. The findings highlight the pressing need for long-term investment in health visiting services to address stark disparities and deliver high quality, personalised care for families. Health visitors are a safety-critical workforce, essential to improving children's health and development. Committing to an ambitious plan to increase the number of health visitors and resourcing these services properly will ensure that all families can access support, reducing pressures on the NHS and improving outcome."

Deputy Prime Minister Celebrates Community Champions From The North West

THE Government is encouraging more people to nominate their local heroes for an honour in the North West of England. Anybody can nominate someone for an honour, but the North West typically receives fewer nominations than the rest of the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to changing that last night, as she hosted an event at Manchester Art Gallery to recognise over 50 recipients from the Region and thank them for their contributions to their local communities.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:- "These honours are a fantastic way of thanking ordinary people for doing extraordinary things, and it is a privilege to celebrate so many worthy recipients across the North West. Whether it is raising money for charity, promoting grassroots sports and culture or kickstarting local projects for young people, the people recognised are the backbone of our country and represent the very best of us. I want to thank all of those honoured for all they do, for making us all so proud of the North West and would urge everyone to put forward heroes in their own communities to be recognised."

HM The King's New Year Honours List 2025 recognised unsung heroes who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and included 93 people from the North West.

Recipients recognised at the event include:-

Christine Lyness, who received an MBE for her long and outstanding service to education in Tameside. Throughout her career Christine has made considerable contributions to primary, secondary and post-16 education. Her contributions started as a young science teacher in the 1970s where she increased participation rates for further education in a working-class borough which had comparatively low progression rates.

Joanne Taylor, a campaigner and advocate for people diagnosed with breast cancer. She received a BEM for services to Breast Cancer Patients. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 she established support groups, and provided resources and information for patients on surgery options, availability of drugs, the positive impact of exercise on the physical and mental well-being of patients and the latest cancer developments. She also provides retreats for breast cancer patients, entirely financed by fundraising. Most recently Jo has developed infographics to help patients identify signs and symptoms; a 1st of its kind visual tool that has been signposted by NHS England and has been translated into 12 languages.

Richard O Neill, who received an MBE for services to Education and to Literature. He is an award winning storyteller, internationally acclaimed author of 18 books, playwright and scriptwriter. He has a passion and particular interest in using literature to promote inclusion and social mobility and through his work, Richard brings forward positive representation of Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman and Boater communities. He visits over 100 Schools each year, engaging directly with thousands of pupils and staff to deliver workshops and performances.

Barbara Brooke, who received a BEM for the unique support she provides to hundreds of vulnerable girls and young women in her community of Layton in Blackpool. She has run groups at the Girls Friendly Society for over 65 years, acting as a role model and providing constant support for young people. The charity, founded in 1875, aims to support and inspire girls and young women, by creating spaces where they feel safe and valued, so that they can build strong foundations that will prepare them for life's challenges.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to:- Gov.UK/Honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.