Planned changes to inheritance tax on family farms have caused an uproar in the farming community in Northern Ireland. Thousands of farmers and supporters gathered at the Eikon Exhibition Centre near Lisburn to protest against the decision announced in the recent budget. The rally was addressed by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who both expressed their concerns about the impact of the changes on family farms.
The proposed changes will see full Agricultural Property Relief (APR) on inheritance tax axed from April 2026, with only the first £1 million of the estate being exempt and anything over that value taxed at 20%. This decision has been described as a “direct threat” to farmers, their families, and the rural way of life that sustains them. The Ulster Farmers’ Union organized the rally, with UFU president William Irvine warning that the change to APR will have a long-lasting impact on generations to come.
Members of the Ulster Farmers’ Union were joined by Northern Ireland MPs and peers in urging the government to rethink the changes. DUP MP Carla Lockhart highlighted the potential consequences of the changes, including the disruption of rural communities and the undermining of the agricultural sector’s long-term security. It is estimated that around a third of farms in Northern Ireland will be affected by the planned changes.
In response to the concerns raised, a Government spokesperson emphasized their commitment to supporting farmers, citing a £5 billion investment in the farming budget over two years. They reassured that the majority of those claiming relief will not be affected by the changes and that farm-owning couples can still pass on up to £3 million without paying any inheritance tax. The spokesperson defended the changes as a fair and balanced approach to protecting family farms while also ensuring the sustainability of public services.
The strong opposition to the changes to inheritance tax on family farms highlights the importance of agriculture in Northern Ireland’s economy and rural communities. The impact of these changes goes beyond financial burdens, risking the ability of farmers to pass on their assets to future generations and threatening the viability of family-owned farming operations. The rallying cry from farmers and their supporters is a plea for the government to reconsider these changes and protect the future of family farming traditions in Northern Ireland.
