Íæż½ã½ã

Majority of public back farmers in family farm tax row

Nearly half of Labour voters think farmers should be exempt from Inheritance Tax

Alex Black
clock • 1 min read
Majority of public back farmers in family farm tax row

Polling conducted this weekend by More in Common has found that the majority of voters and nearly half of all Labour voters think farmers should be exempt from Inheritance Tax.

In last week's Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), limiting 100% APR and Business Property Relief to the first £1 million of asset value.

Inheritance Tax

Above that threshold, there will be 50% relief on qualifying assets, giving an effective rate of 20% on assets over £1m.

READ NOW: 'We have done everything we can in the past to say, 'Do not protest'. But today I am not in a position where I can say to people 'Do not do that' - NFU

The change has caused considerable concern for the farming community, with farmers emphasising it will impact family farms across the country wanting to pass on the farm to the next generation.

Approximately 83% of UK farms are family-owned. 

In response, Íæż½ã½ã has launched 'Save Britain's Family Farms' campaign to support the industry.

James Wright, policy director of the Conservative Rural Forum and FG In Your Field columnist, said: "This is not about good government; it is a war on the countryside. Labour simply does not understand the complexities and values of rural Britain.

Family farm tax

"By imposing this tax, they are jeopardising an industry that is already facing considerable challenges. Labour must reconsider this measure and prevent further harm to an essential part of our nation's fabric."

READ NOW: Zeichner defends Budget APR changes while claiming to understand 'farmers' anxieties'

Mr Wright has also encouraged those who oppose the family farm tax to sign the petition at stopthefarmtax.com which has already been signed by tens of thousands of people across the country.

 

2018 CASE-IH 120 LUXXUM

£±Ê°¿´¡

NEW HOLLAND T6.180DCT

£±Ê°¿´¡

New Holland BOOMER 25 Compact Tractor

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Politics

Closed period could be scrapped by Welsh Gov following review into Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations

Closed period could be scrapped by Welsh Gov following review into Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations

An independent review into Wales' Control of Agricultural Pollution (CAP) regulations has published recommendations in five key areas. It found that an 'all-Wales' approach to the regulations was the right one

Rachael Brown
clock 31 March 2025 • 8 min read
Defra announces funding to improve flooding defences in 'worst condition' on record

Defra announces funding to improve flooding defences in 'worst condition' on record

Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy has criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to protect rural and farming communities from flooding

clock 31 March 2025 • 4 min read
Farming Minister to be quizzed by Efra Committee for the first time

Farming Minister to be quizzed by Efra Committee for the first time

Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner will be probed about the early closure of SFI and Defra's communication with the industry on key changes to farming policy

Rachael Brown
clock 31 March 2025 • 2 min read