Hundreds of farmers have started to admit they have been suffering from a “hidden problem” as Labour's inheritance tax raid on family farms looms.
The Farm Safety Foundation - a charity that seeks to prevent suicide - saw a 55 per cent increase in the need for its counselling services, as well as a 13 per cent rise in the number of calls to its crisis support line from last year.
The charity noticed the leap in figures after Rachel Reeves announced her inheritance tax raid when she delivered her October Budget.
Beef farmer Daniel Boomer, 22, is just one of the farmers affected by the tax hike.
Hundreds of farmers have started to admit they have been suffering from a “hidden problem” as Labour ploughs on with its inheritance tax raid later this spring
PA
"It's really affected people's mental health because it's constant. It's that weight on your chest every day," he told The Express.
He explained that farmers have often felt poorly portrayed by critics as "rich landlords" with an abundance of wealth, yet he has argued this is not the case.
"It's a pressure cooker. Everything's just boiling and busting and something will break at some point. I've been very close to taking my own life.
"I knew I had to speak to someone about it because it was really hurting me every day. And every day it gets heavier and heavier," Boomer admitted.
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The 22-year-old has now become an ambassador for the Farm Safety Foundation - an organisation which serves to address mental health struggles in rural communities.
Its manager Stephanie Berkeley has now demanded that Labour ministers provide improved services to those struggling in the agricultural industry.
She explained that Labour must work to “ease the pressure” on charities similar to theirs which are heavily relied upon during moments of distress.
The rise in calls to the charity's helpline has come as a result of farmers leaving it “until they’re in a crisis situation” before searching for support.
The rise in calls to the charity's helpline has come as a result of farmers leaving it “until they’re in a crisis situation” before searching for support
PA
Farm Safety Foundation has said that its research indicates that around 95 per cent of young farmers think that poor mental health is the largest “hidden problem” within the industry.
Berkeley added that many farmers felt “betrayed” by Labour, highlighting how politicians had pledged that the party would listen to the industry and would offer “stability” and “certainty” if they won the election.
Previously, Labour said its inheritance tax hike was “fair and balanced” and would only around 500 properties each year.
A spokesman said: “It will mean farmers will pay a reduced inheritance tax rate of 20%, rather than the standard 40% for other businesses, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free.”
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
