Town hall rebellion grows against ‘family farm tax’

Local authorities across the UK are pushing back against proposed inheritance tax changes targeting family farms, sparking what campaigners are calling a “town hall rebellion”.

Motions condemning the policy, announced in the Autumn Budget, have been passed by Cornwall and Buckinghamshire Councils, and similar motions are being debated in London, North Northamptonshire, and elsewhere.

Farmers Weekly understands that similar motions have been proposed in Suffolk and Portsmouth, which are set to be voted on later this month.

See also: Cornwall Council passes motion against ‘family farm tax’

London support

Susan Hall, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, has urged Londoners to support her motion ahead of a vote on Thursday 5 December.

The motion calls on mayor Sadiq Khan and the Greater London Authority to lobby the Labour government to reinstate 100% reliefs under agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR).

Ms Hall criticised the tax, stating: “The family farm tax threatens the future of British farming and our food security.

Despite all the warnings from rural stakeholders and experts, Rachel Reeves and the Treasury just aren’t listening.

“Farmers work tirelessly day-in, day-out, in all weather conditions, and against countless barriers, to put food on the plates of family dinner tables and restaurants across London.

“Our capital is dependent on farmers to help fuel its citizens with their healthy, seasonal, and sustainable produce.”

Ms Hall is urging London Assembly members to put party politics aside and vote for the motion “to send Rachel Reeves a message, before it’s too late”.

There are currently 11 Labour members, eight Conservatives, three Green, two Liberal Democrats and one Reform.

North Northamptonshire

Her call comes as North Northamptonshire councillors prepare to debate a similar motion on the same day.

Alex Evelyn, a Conservative councillor leading the charge, emphasised the tax’s potential impact on rural communities:

“Farmers are the backbone of North Northamptonshire. This damaging family farm tax will harm British produce, food supply chains, and rural employment.

“It’s essential we stand with our farming communities to protect their livelihoods.”

Countryside Alliance support

The Countryside Alliance is supporting these motions with its director of external affairs, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, describing the movement as a critical stand for British agriculture.

“These changes present a major threat to the future of British farming.

“We are grateful to councils taking a stand and urge Assembly members and councillors to add their voices to the growing opposition,” he said.

“There is still time for Rachel Reeves and the Treasury to rethink this disastrous policy.”

The government’s proposed family farm tax, which will introduce a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets over £1m starting April 2026, has faced fierce criticism from farming organisations and rural communities.

They fear it could destabilise farming businesses and disrupt food supply chains.

As the votes approach, campaigners hope local authorities’ growing resistance will pressure the government to reconsider its plans.