Farmers ‘disappointed’ in decision to not amend inheritance tax
The Chancellor has decided not to amend family farm tax
Last updated 27th Oct 2025
Farmers across Wiltshire are firing back at the Chancellor’s decision to not amend the family farm tax.
The amendment for the next budget will not be going ahead, meaning family farm tax will continue to be placed on agricultural workers.
Farmers around the county are unhappy with the decision. Tim Carson, a Swindon farm owner said that the current government does not understand the industry.
He said: “It is very disappointing, we have given the government alternative options to make money that is not inheritance tax.
“They are not listening, they have made their decision, they are not going to back track and they just do not understand.
“You got the head of some global business come to look at farming and they will wonder what we are doing, because we do not always know what will and will not grow - but this is what we do, we produce food.”
Tim noted that even though this autumn has been positive for his farm, the future is unclear with winter around the corner.
He said: “We are definitely seeing the effects of climate change and global warming, we are noticing it in farming.
“We are seeing extremes - when it rains, it is biblical unlike the steady rain we used to get.”
Sarah Gibson, Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham fired back at the Chancellor’s decision to not amend the inheritance tax.
She said: “Farmers up and down my constituency have told me they are seriously considering giving up farming for good. The pressure they are facing is huge.
“Other farmers have expressed concerns about losing the farm under their watch, fearing they may be letting down the legacy of previous generations.”
“This tone deaf decision is a kick in the teeth for British farmers across Wiltshire who are the backbone of our rural community.
“It is foolish for the Government to continue with this tax that is causing immense damage to farmers, food production and environmental stewardship.
“This is a missed opportunity by the Chancellor to use the Budget to show her support and finally protect family farms after one of the worst harvests on record.
“As your Liberal Democrat MP, I will continue to lead the charge against this unfair tax hike, to protect family farms across Wiltshire who are being taken for granted.”