Great Yorkshire Show Highlights Rural Concerns and Calls for Action on Inheritance Tax

Strategic Insights -

The Great Yorkshire Show has become an essential platform for rural communities to come together and address critical issues affecting the sector. This year's event was marked by weighty debates on mental health, rural resilience, and inheritance tax, with sector leaders warning of the devastating impact of the tax on family businesses and the broader economy. The Countryside Land and Business Association (CLA) has announced plans to report the Government to the Ombudsman and Parliamentary Commission over its refusal to answer Freedom of Information requests related to tax changes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CLA has launched a sustained campaign against the decision to drop inheritance tax relief, which has resulted in the organization reporting the Government to the Ombudsman and Parliamentary Commission.
  • The CLA claims to have close to 30 MPs on board who are backing their calls for a U-turn on the policy.
  • NFU President Tom Bradshaw warned that inheritance tax is a "dark cloud" hanging over the sector, with a 98-year-old woman and the children of an elderly man with dementia being affected.
  • Sector leaders, including Richard Simpson, of Ripon Farm Services, highlighted the ripple effect of inheritance tax on suppliers and the economy.
  • Rachel Coates, show director, emphasized the importance of the show as a platform for rural communities to come together and address their problems.
  • Jonathan Roberts, CLA's external policy director, revealed that the organization is lobbying backbenchers into a rebellion against the Government's policy.

Statistics:

  • More than half of farms are failing to make a profit, according to a report by Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith.
  • 98% of farms are affected by inheritance tax, with the tax hanging over the sector like a "dark cloud."
  • The CLA claims to have close to 30 MPs on board who are supporting their calls for a U-turn on the policy.

Sources:

  • PA Photo, "A pig is judged in a show ring, during the opening day of the Great Yorkshire Show at the Showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday July 8, 2025."
  • PA Photo, "Rachel Coates. YAS"
  • PA Photo, "Great Yorkshire Show day 1. Mayor of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority David Skaith with NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Photograph by Tony Johnson. 8th July 2025."
  • PA Photo, "Pictured Judging of the Aberdeen Angus class. Picture: James Hardisty. Date: 8th July 2025."
  • PA Photo, "Danny Lawson/PA Wire"
  • PA Photo, "Tony Johnson"