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MP Tackles Chancellor on Threat to Ploughing Matches and Charity Tractor-run Fundraising From HMRC
Gordon SNP MP Richard Thomson has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to row back on a threat from HMRC which puts at risk the continued existence of ploughing matches and charity tractor runs.
HMRC has said that from April 2022, tractors used at such events must run on white diesel instead of agricultural red diesel as they do not regard ploughing matches or charity events as “agricultural use”.
Mr Thomson has been contacted by a constituent involved in ploughing matches for over 30 years who now fears for the continued existence of these events.
Commenting, Gordon MP Richard Thomson said:
“The UK Government and HMRC have form in this regard. Back in 2008, they tried to ban the use of red diesel in tractors which were being used to help with setting up agricultural shows but relented under pressure.
“This time is even more serious as it threatens the existence of ploughing matches and the charity road runs by tractor enthusiasts which raise so much money for good causes.
“I don’t see how there can be any serious argument on the part of HMRC that ploughing matches are not agricultural work given the skills that they help develop. I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to intervene and ensure that a sensible approach is taken by HMRC so that these popular events can continue.
“It seems clear that this is yet another attack on rural Scotland from the UK Government who either don’t know or don’t care about the knock-on consequences of this ill-thought-out policy.”
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