FARMERS and landowners in Worcestershire who are considering retirement or selling their business or farms are being invited by a major firm of solicitors to a seminar on the Chancellor's plans for the reform of capital gains tax.

Alan Neal, partner, and his assistant Steve Holden from the taxation department at MFG Solicitors, a regional law firm, will host the seminar at Worcester Rugby Club on Wednesday.

The seminar, titled Where Are We Now On CGT?, will explore the implications of Alistair Darling's planned changes to the capital tax regime for agricultural and rural businesses. The Chan-cellor has said that he has introduced the new regime in response to requests for simplification but in many cases the net effect will be an increased tax burden on farmers and landowners by the loss of valuable long- standing relief in return for a lower tax rate.

The seminar will explore the proposals, identify the winners and losers and advise on ways to mitigate tax bills.

Iain Morrison, head of agriculture and rural business at MFG Solicitors, said: "All farmers and landowners will be welcome at the seminar, and those planning retirement or selling their business should find it extremely useful."

The seminar will run from 4.30pm, with light refreshments served from 4pm, and will last for about two hours. To reserve a place e-mail joy.jelfs@mfgsolicitors.com or call Joy Jelfs on 0845 55 55 32.