Lidl, Tesco and Aldi join calls for inheritance tax on farms to be paused

Supermarket giants Lidl, Tesco, and Aldi have joined the chorus demanding a consultation on the government's proposed reforms to inheritance tax, voicing apprehension that such changes could undermine farmer confidence and stifle investment.

In a series of unexpected moves, the retailers have backed farmers' pleas to halt the modifications to Agricultural Property Relief revealed in October’s Budget, urging the government to seek input from businesses and farmers before implementation, as reported by City AM.

"We are concerned that the recent changes to the inheritance tax (IHT) will impact grower confidence and hold back the investment needed to build a resilient, productive and sustainable British food system," stated Lidl’s UK branch. "We, therefore, support the call by the farming community to pause the implementation of those changes and to consult with industry to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome."

The German retailer, which last year saw its highest ever market shares in the UK, has also committed to voicing its concerns to the government at "any opportunity we get".

Tesco’s chief commercial officer Ash