A change in farm tax policy has been welcomed by Devon Council as a step forward for rural communities.
Devon County Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who also serves as the council’s cabinet member for rural affairs, said the government’s decision to raise the inheritance tax threshold for farmers from £1 million to £2.5 million would provide welcome relief for many.
The change follows criticism of earlier plans to impose a 20 per cent tax on inherited agricultural assets above £1 million from April 2026, ending the 100 per cent tax relief that has been in place since the 1980s.
Ms Cottle-Hunkin said: "Under the original proposals, many family-run farms would have faced being financially crippled.
"Farmers and their families have faced more than a year of serious stress and anxiety.
"I have been campaigning on this issue since the day it was announced, making it clear to ministers the serious impact it would have on Devon.
"Not just the farming families themselves but the wider effect on the rural economy and the communities they sustain."
The government’s plans led to protests across the UK, including December 2024 demonstrations in Devon.
Ms Cottle-Hunkin said: "This change today by central government did not happen by accident.
"It follows months of determined effort from farmers and supporters across the country – from tractor protests, to petitions, letters and meetings with MPs.
"Every voice mattered, and that collective pressure has made a real difference."
She described the announcement as a "significant win for farmers and rural communities across Devon".
However, she said the Liberal Democrats would continue to push for a full reversal of the inheritance tax changes.
Ms Cottle-Hunkin said: "It provides much-needed reassurance for many as we head towards Christmas, but there is more to do.
"I will continue to fight to ensure Devon’s farmers and rural communities are properly heard and supported in the year ahead."
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