Shropshire farmers meet outside supermarkets over inheritance tax battle

Farmers from across the West Midlands, and the rest of the country are meeting outside supermarkets today (Jan 25th) as they continue to battle inheritance tax reforms.

They are showing their opposition to the controversial farm tax of 20% on farming assets inherited that are worth more than £1 million.

What is happening in Shropshire?

Farmers are heading to supermarkets to meet shoppers and speak to them about their cause.

Shropshire farmer Graham Price told us the fight against the tax is not over:

"We want to show the strength of feeling farmers have against tax. It is also a chance to promote Shropshire produce, and how important it is to the county.

"The atmosphere will be positive. We want to thank local shoppers for their support," he said.

Will the government change their mind on inheritance tax?

Whilst the government does not seem eager to change its policy on inheritance tax, they have reassured their support for farmers is "steadfast".

“This Government will invest £5 billion into farming over the next two years, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history.

"We are going further with reforms to boost profits for farmers by backing British produce and reforming planning rules on farms to support food production.

“Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will mean estates will pay a reduced effective inheritance tax rate of 20%, rather than standard 40%, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free.

"This is a fair and balanced approach, which fixes the public services we all rely on, affecting around 500 estates a year," said a government spokesperson.