Farmers in Northern Ireland are organising to protest against proposed changes to inheritance tax rules, which they claim could hinder the next generation’s ability to inherit family farms. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) is urging the government to reconsider the imposition of a £1 million cap on agricultural property relief (APR), which they believe will negatively impact many farmers, despite government claims that only the wealthiest estates will be affected. UFU president William Irvine expressed hope that their rally in London will serve as a powerful reminder of the issues faced by the farming community, asserting that it marks the beginning of a broader movement for change. Research indicates that the modifications could affect about one third of farmers in Northern Ireland, particularly hurting the dairy sector. Richard Beattie, president of the Young Farmers Club of Ulster, noted that the new tax policy may make it easier for larger businesses to purchase farmland, thus jeopardising the future ownership of family farms and reducing necessary investments in agricultural development. The UFU has gathered 15,000 signatures on a petition to overturn the farm tax change, and they are advocating for further discussions with government officials, demonstrating their collective influence within the agricultural sector.

Inheritance tax relief has historically allowed farmers to exempt their land and properties from significant tax burdens. The proposed changes from April 2026 will lower this relief threshold to £1 million, potentially placing many family farms under financial strain and leading to reduced investment in the agricultural sector. The reaction from farming unions indicates a widespread concern that younger generations may be discouraged from continuing family farming businesses due to these changes.

The farming community in Northern Ireland is rallying against proposed inheritance tax changes that threaten the future of family-run farms. With the new £1 million cap on agricultural property relief, many fear losing their land to external buyers due to heightened financial burdens. The UFU is mobilising farmers to voice their concerns and advocate for a revision of these tax policies, highlighting the need for government engagement.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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Award-winning photographer Ingrid Pollard is on a quest to find the men featured in her portraits taken at Tulse Hill School in south London 35 years ago. The photographs, capturing boys who are now in their 50s, will be displayed in the Tate Britain exhibition titled “The 80s: Photographing Britain,” opening later this month. Pollard, invited by an English teacher at the school, described the experience as special for the boys, who were photographed with care and attention. Despite not having specific plans for the images initially, she has always appreciated the boys’ genuine reactions during the shoot. Pollard hopes to locate them before the exhibition to include their names, noting their potential memories of each other. Recognised in recent years for her contributions to photography, Pollard reflects on how women and black artists were often neglected in the mainstream art world during the 1980s.

The article centers around the exhibition of Ingrid Pollard’s photographs from 1989, depicting students shortly before Tulse Hill School’s closure. It highlights Pollard’s retrospective journey as an artist, exploring themes of identity and representation in photography during the 1980s, a time marked by significant socio-political changes in Britain under Margaret Thatcher’s leadership. The exhibition at Tate Britain aims to showcase how photographers responded to the era’s evolving social conditions, while Pollard’s work gains recognition for its artistic value and historical significance after decades of being overlooked.

In summary, Ingrid Pollard’s search for the portraits’ subjects reflects a broader narrative of remembrance and acknowledgment. The upcoming exhibition at Tate Britain not only celebrates her artistry but also represents a significant moment in revisiting the past, inviting the featured individuals to reconnect with their history. Pollard’s increased recognition in the art community speaks to the ongoing need for diverse representation in the industry.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

The post Search for Boys Featured in 1989 Portraits for Tate Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.