A young farmer from Cornwall has expressed fears that recent changes to inheritance tax rules could jeopardize the viability of family-run farms, sparking protests in Westminster.
Maria Warne-Elston, 22, a fifth-generation beef, sheep, and arable farmer, joined other farmers in urging the government to reconsider the measure, announced during the October Budget.
Under the new policy, set to take effect in April 2026, agricultural assets valued over £1 million will no longer be fully exempt from inheritance tax. Instead, they will incur a 20% tax—half the standard inheritance tax rate.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) and farming families have warned that this change could force many to sell off vital farmland to cover tax bills, threatening the survival of small-scale family farms across the UK.
“This Will Break Us”
Speaking from her family’s farm in Cornwall, Ms. Warne-Elston described the tax measure as “unfair” and out of touch with the financial challenges farmers already face.
“We’re already not earning enough in agriculture,” she said. “We’d have to sell off fields to pay the inheritance tax. Selling a field on a small farm could mean that the business is no longer viable. Long term, we’re going to be losing so much money.”
She added that family farms, like her own, rely on passing down land and equipment through generations to remain sustainable. Losing significant portions of farmland could permanently damage their operations.
Protest at Westminster
Farmers from across the UK gathered at Westminster to protest the changes, meeting with their MPs to demand that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt revisit the policy.
The NFU has also voiced strong opposition, warning that the changes could “destroy” family farms. In a statement, it said: “Family farms are the backbone of UK agriculture. These tax changes could devastate rural communities and disrupt our food production system.”
Government Defends the Policy
In response to the backlash, the government has argued that the changes will only affect a minority of farm owners. Officials estimate that about 500 inheritance tax claims annually will fall under the revised rules.
A government spokesperson said farm-owning couples could still pass on up to £3 million in agricultural assets tax-free and highlighted other financial support for the sector.
“We understand concerns about changes to Agricultural Property Relief,” the spokesperson said. “However, the majority of those claiming relief will not be affected by these changes.”
The spokesperson emphasized the government’s broader investment in farming, stating: “Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast. It’s why we’ve committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years—more money than ever for sustainable food production. This is a fair and balanced approach that protects the family farm while also fixing the public services that we all rely on.”
Ongoing Debate
Despite these assurances, farmers argue that even a small number of affected cases could have significant ripple effects on the sector.
For Ms. Warne-Elston and others like her, the new rules represent a broader disconnect between government policy and the realities of rural life.
“Family farming is about more than just land and assets,” she said. “It’s about preserving a way of life that’s been passed down for generations. If we lose that, we lose part of who we are.”
