FOLLOWING the news that the income tax allowance for workers has increased yet again, from £6,475 at the start of the parliament to £10,600, I’m writing to congratulate the coalition government for its recent announcements on taxes for self-employed farmers.

Arable farming is a huge industry in this part of Lancashire, with only parts of Lincolnshire and Worcestershire competing to produce the best salad crops in the whole country.

In last month’s budget, the Chancellor said that, as of next April, self-employed farmers will be allowed to average their profits for tax over five years instead of the present two years.

Although lower food prices at the supermarket checkout is good for the shopper, it can cause huge pressures for farming families struggling to pay their tax bills just as income from crops is falling.

Evening out the volatility in food prices will help many farming families.

Added to the news that the annual investment allowance, which enables farmers to improve efficiency and cut costs for shoppers further, will be addressed in the Autumn Statement, it shows why I, and many of my friends and family, will be voting Conservative.

Jon Hesketh, Hutton, near Preston