Overview
- The reform replaces full agricultural property relief with a 20% charge on the portion of farm estates above £1 million, set to begin in April 2026.
- At a Commons liaison committee hearing, Keir Starmer acknowledged concerns raised by MPs, including reports that some terminally ill farmers are considering hastening death, yet he defended the need for reform and referenced anti-forestalling rules.
- Starmer said he recently met the National Farmers’ Union president to discuss the issue, while confirming the government intends to proceed.
- Farmers staged fresh protests in London as campaigners warned the change could force asset sales, with one Oxfordshire farmer saying families cannot afford the prospective liabilities.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves said most smaller holdings will be unaffected, citing combined spouse allowances that can protect larger estates, 10-year interest-free payment options, and a budget tweak preserving allowances for surviving partners, as the NFU pushes a clawback alternative taxing sales within seven years.