As you may have heard, farmers and growers across the UK are deeply concerned following the Chancellor’s recent Budget announcement regarding changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).
If these tax changes proceed, they will deliver a devastating blow to farming families who are already grappling with decades of tightening margins, record inflation, extreme weather, and soaring production costs. Many are at breaking point and simply cannot bear any additional financial burdens.
This issue is critical. Not only could it threaten UK food production, but it also risks increasing food prices at a time when many are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.
For those who cherish our rural landscapes, these tax changes could irreversibly alter our iconic countryside.
The Chancellor claims that the £1 million cap will safeguard small family farms, but this is misleading. Most viable farms are valued at well over £1 million, and while some smallholdings may be unaffected, many hardworking farmers will be directly impacted. It’s important to remember that farmers are often cash-poor, even when their land appears valuable on paper.
We must unite to challenge this policy. Join us in signing the petition to overturn this tax change and protect the future of our family farms.
Thank you for your support.
William Irvine
UFU President
