51AVÊÓÆµ

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, Farmers Guardian 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.

 

New NH T6.180DCT Tractor

£±Ê°¿´¡

New JCB 4220 ICON FASTRAC

£±Ê°¿´¡

CASEIH MAGNUM 340

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Politics

Conservative Party Conference: Farmers tell Starmer Inheritance Tax has shattered the 'lives and dreams' of rural and farming communities

Conservative Party Conference: Farmers tell Starmer Inheritance Tax has shattered the 'lives and dreams' of rural and farming communities

Farmers, rural business owners, Conservative MPs and councillors held an Inheritance Tax rally calling on Labour to stop planned reforms to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief

Chris Brayford
clock 06 October 2025 • 2 min read
Conservative Party Conference: Labour has created a 'farming and food emergency' in Britain

Conservative Party Conference: Labour has created a 'farming and food emergency' in Britain

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said the Tories will reveal plans later today at the Conservative Party Conference to fight a 'food and farming emergency' and the strain that has been placed on farm businesses since Labour came to power

Chris Brayford
clock 06 October 2025 • 4 min read
Chancellor urged to reject new vehicle weight tax

Chancellor urged to reject new vehicle weight tax

The Countryside Alliance has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging her to reject proposals for a new vehicle acquisition tax levied according to weight

Alex Black
clock 04 October 2025 • 2 min read