Food security fears increase ahead of inheritance tax squeeze

FOOD security is at risk ahead of changes to inheritance tax on family farms, an expert has warned.

- By Rebecca Robinson

Adjustments to agricultural property relief and business property relief announced by Rachel Reeves in her Budget are expected to take effect from April 2026, though the Government has faced calls to delay this by a year.

IHT relief for business and agricultural assets will be capped at £1million, with a rate of 20% being charged above that.

Gareth Marland, legal director in private wealth at Clarion, warned that farmers faced a “sizeable liability” with IHT, which could have a knock-on effect across the food industry.