Bromley Council is set to lobby the government against proposed changes to inheritance tax that would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR). The decision came after a motion was proposed by Councillor Will Rowlands and seconded by Councillor Adam Grant at a council meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The motion expresses concern over the Labour government's plans, announced in the Autumn budget, to scrap APR. The council argues that APR is vital for family farms and food security. The council noted that Bromley has the largest area of farmland in Greater London, with approximately 35% of the borough dedicated to farming. They fear the changes could disproportionately impact Bromley residents and farmers, potentially leading to the sale of farmland for non-agricultural purposes.
The council agreed to write to the government and the borough's MPs, urging them to reconsider the proposals and reverse the changes.
Currently, the council is not considering any alternative solutions besides lobbying against the changes to support its farming community.
Open Council Network provides more information on the meeting and the motion.
