Farming unions have been invited to the Treasury today to discuss proposed changes to inheritance tax policy.
The meeting with Exchequer Secretary James Murray comes after the NFU’s #StoptheFamilyFarmTax campaign galvanised industry-wide support for calls on the government to rethink its Autumn Budget announcements.
From April 2026, the 100% rate of relief will continue for the first £1million of combined agricultural and business assets, with a reduced rate of relief of 50% for amounts above this threshold which farmers say will inflict huge harm on family businesses.
Mr Murray has asked to meet with the NFU, TFA (Tenant Farmers Association), CLA (Country Land and Business Association) and CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers). This will be followed by another meeting with NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and UFU (Ulster Farmers’ Union).
Speaking with one voice last night, UK agriculture urged Treasury ministers to be open to seeking solutions.
In a joint statement, the leaders of these organisations said: “Across every part of agriculture and its associated industries, and across every part of the UK, the message to the Treasury is the same – work with us to find solutions.
“Be prepared to listen not only to the UK’s farmers and growers, but also to food retailers and other companies in the food supply chain who have all said there must be a change to this policy.
“We come to discuss proposals for that change that we think can help us move forward together in protecting British farming, British family-run farm businesses and, crucially, British food.”
More than 275,000 people have also signed an NFU petition to stop the family farm tax.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw, who was in Parliament meeting MPs last week and speaking at a farmer rally in Westminster, said: “I welcome the invitation to meet with the Treasury to discuss inheritance tax policy.
“Farmers and growers from across all generations have gone to great lengths to explain the devastating impact of changes to APR and BPR.
“The government now needs to listen and take action. I’m looking forward to having meaningful and productive conversations with the Treasury and remain committed to finding constructive solutions working with the chancellor.”