Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]

Concerned about the potential haphazard changes to Inheritance Tax that could affect farmers, rural businesses, and communities. Highlights the interlinked nature of Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), noting the importance of a comprehensive debate involving the Treasury. The Minister is reminded that the debate has focused on family farms, but a significant amount of agricultural land is owned by bodies such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The abolition of relief could result in two adjacent farms operating under different economic conditions, one owned by a charity and the other by a family.

Ms Aphra Brandreth highlighted the importance of agricultural property relief for rural communities, stressing that changes to this relief could lead to land sales and loss of generational knowledge. She cited a CLA poll where 86% of farmers said they would have to sell part or all of their land if APR was removed. Ms Brandreth noted the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, including rising costs and adverse weather conditions, and urged the government to support rather than penalise them.

Stressed the importance of agricultural property relief in maintaining farming enterprises and rural economies, citing examples from his constituency such as Willowbrook Foods, Lakeland Dairies, and Mash Direct. Emphasised that without APR, family-run businesses could face financial hardship and be forced to sell land and assets. Called for support for farmers to invest in new technologies and ensure financial security while promoting environmental goals.

Farmers in my constituency have been dealing with economic chaos for the last 14 years, impacting consumer confidence and international trade. The Australia and New Zealand trade deal particularly affected sheep farmers, threatening their business prospects. Concerns were raised about the inability of consumers to distinguish between British and foreign produce when it is mislabelled as UK produce. Large corporations buying up prime agricultural land for greenwashing purposes was also highlighted as a national issue.

The Member inquired about the Tenant Farmers Association's suggestion for reforming taxes to benefit long-term tenancies, asking the hon. Member for their view on whether such reforms would be worthwhile.

The MP welcomed contributions from colleagues, acknowledged the importance of inheritance tax in raising funds but stressed that legitimate reliefs such as Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) are vital for business continuity. He noted concerns about potential changes to BPR leading to the sale or breakup of family businesses and expressed worry over uncertainty around APR's future, which could impact tenant farmers and rural economies.

Spencer emphasised the importance of agriculture in his constituency, noting that one in seven jobs are related to food production. He warned against taxing inherited land, arguing it would force farmers to sell off parcels or their entire holdings, impacting local economies negatively. He cited a CLA poll where 86% of respondents said they would have to sell some or all of their land if faced with new IHT obligations.

Families in Woking are worried about inheritance tax due to high rates and frozen allowances, while house prices have increased. Will Forster expressed concern over the fairness of business property relief for local family businesses and small farms, questioning whether large corporations receive similar benefits. He called on the Minister to address how the government plans to support these cherished local businesses and urged for accelerated funding for environmental land management schemes.