We Need a Rethink on Family Farm Tax

For many families across West Berkshire and the rest of the UK, farming is not just a job – it’s a way of life. These are small businesses rooted in generations of care for our countryside and food supply. That’s why I share the deep concern so many farmers have about the Government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax.

The idea behind the so-called “family farm tax” might be to modernise the system, but the reality is it could hit working farms hard. With many already struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, trade disruption, and rising operational costs, the last thing they need is further financial uncertainty. I’ve spoken to many farmers in and around Newbury, and the message is clear: these changes could spell real difficulty for those trying to pass on their family farms to the next generation.

That’s why I welcome this week’s report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Efra). The cross-party group of MPs, chaired by Alistair Carmichael, is urging the Government to delay any final decision on farm inheritance tax reforms until at least October 2026, with implementation no earlier than April 2027. This time should be used to consult the sector at length, carry out a full impact assessment, and aim to avoid any unintended but potentially devastating consequences.

Farming is already an unpredictable business. Between weather, markets, and regulation, farmers already face plenty of challenges without having to second-guess the Government’s tax plans too. It’s simply not good enough that changes of this scale were proposed without transparency or consultation. I’ll continue standing up for farmers in Newbury, West Berkshire and beyond, pressing the Government to rethink this policy and ensure that future changes work with our farmers, not against them.

We need long-term support for British agriculture, not more uncertainty. We will keep pushing to axe the family farm tax and give our farmers the backing they deserve.