Budget didn't help

NORTH Yorkshire's farming community received no help from the budget, says National Farmers' Union president Ben Gill.

Chancellor Gordon Brown's financial measures were "a failed opportunity for farmers and the rural community".

Mr Gill, from Easingwold, said: "There was little for farmers and growers in the budget.

"Opportunities to help them rebuild their businesses following last year's disaster (foot and mouth) were not taken."

Mr Gill pointed out that British hauliers are still paying an average of £10,000 a year more in fuel tax than their European counterparts. There were no reductions on fuel duty in the budget.

Mr Gill also attacked the Chancellor's failure to give larger tax breaks for the emerging bio diesel industry, which is produced from crops grown on farms.

"This is an industry that needs to be encouraged, both for the sake of the environment and for farmers and growers to boost their businesses. The Chancellor has failed to do this," Mr Gill said.

But Mr Gill did welcome the introduction of working tax credits assisting farmers with little or no profits.

He added that moves to give tax breaks to small businesses were of some comfort to farmers and growers.

Updated: 09:28 Thursday, April 25, 2002