Staffordshire moorlands Estate Planner Tom Gronkiewicz is offering farmers the chance to talk through controversial Budget changes on inheritance tax.

Thousands of farmers descended on Westminster last week to protest at changes which will make farm estates liable for inheritance tax for the first time since 1984.

Many farmers say it will devastate the industry and fear that their sons and daughters may need to sell land, or even give up farming completely, to pay inheritance tax.

Tom, company director at GRN Estate Planning, based in Bath Street, Leek, said: “It’s clearly a worrying time for farmers and as we are based in Leek at the heart of the rural Staffordshire Moorlands, we want to clear up any uncertainty and explore if we can help.

“I would be very pleased to talk to any Moorlands farming family over a coffee or tea at our office in Bath Street.

“Farming is labour intensive, a 24/7 occupation, and there’s very little time to step back and consider how to plan a secure financial future.”

Effective estate planning can help protect your assets and secure your family’s future, especially in light of changes to inheritance tax laws.

Tom is encouraging anyone affected to reach out for guidance, adding “taking proactive steps will safeguard your estate. It’s important to act as soon as possible to ensure assets are protected for families in the longer-term.”

Farming is crucial to the economy of Staffordshire. A report by Staffordshire County Council said that almost four-fifths of the county as ‘rural’ and said output from that area accounts for more than half of the county’s economic activity (SCC Rural Economic Strategy: 2023 -2030).

Inheritance tax is paid on the estate of someone who has died.

Generally, estates worth less than £325,000 are exempt, with further inheritance tax relief of £175,000 where a home is left to children or grandchildren.

However, for four decades, farmers and agricultural land owners have been exempt from inheritance tax rules.

Changes, brought forward in the Autumn Budget, come into force from April, 2025. Agricultural holdings will now be charged inheritance tax at 20%, half the standard rate of 40%.

Tom is a qualified and licensed estate planner, helping people to protect assets and provide services including will writing, wills, trust arrangements, and setting up lasting power of attorney.

ENDS

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