A DECISION to increase inheritance tax relief for agricultural and business property is a positive step, Lichfield’s MP has said.
The initial plans saw concerns raised that the £1million threshold was too low to safeguard the future of family farms.
But the Government had said changes were needed to prevent wealthy individuals exploiting tax breaks by purchasing land without supporting the farming economy.
Labour’s Dave Robertson said “coordinated lobbying” by rural MPs had led to the new decision to increase the threshold for Agricultural and Business Property Relief to £2.5million from April 2026.
He said:
“I’ve met many farmers across Lichfield, Burntwood and our villages, and shared their concerns directly with ministers.
“I also worked closely with other rural MPs to press the case for a fairer system that truly protects farming families – and I’m delighted the Government has listened.”
Mr Robertson added that the move would “protect more farms and family businesses” by lifting around 85% of farming estates out of inheritance tax entirely.
The Labour MP said:
“This is a positive step for rural communities and a big win for farming families.”
