Overview
- The Budget confirmed that the £1 million agricultural and business property relief can be transferred between spouses, potentially allowing married couples to shield up to £2 million in qualifying assets.
- NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed recognition of flaws but said the tweak goes nowhere near far enough and fails to ease pressures on elderly and vulnerable farmers.
- Family Business UK reported that 55% of family firms have paused or cancelled investment plans, citing demoralised owners and uncertainty created by the policy.
- Opposition has mounted with more than 275,000 public signatories urging changes and trade associations representing 160,000 family businesses pressing the Chancellor for reform.
- Protests during the Budget led to several farmer arrests after tractors entered Whitehall, and the NFU said it will keep campaigning as the new rules are scheduled to start in April 2026.