Overview
- Farming minister Dame Angela Eagle said the Treasury "aren’t going to move," confirming no changes to the policy in remarks to BBC's Farming Today.
- The plan, first set out in the October 2024 Budget, imposes a 20% charge on agricultural estates previously covered by reliefs.
- Speculation about exempting smaller farms or lifting the threshold to £5 million, or £10 million for couples, was explicitly ruled out.
- Implementation is stated to begin from April 2026, with the government adding that payments can be spread over 10 years interest-free.
- Farmers’ groups warn the levy could force sales of land, livestock and equipment, while critics including Reform UK and the TaxPayers’ Alliance urge a reversal after high-profile Westminster protests.