Bira joins forces with FBUK to advocate for family businesses on inheritance tax policy

Bira is actively collaborating with Family Business United UK (FBUK) to address critical concerns surrounding Inheritance Tax (IHT), specifically the Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) caps.

Following significant press coverage of an Open Letter on this issue, the Prime Minister announced in Parliament that his team is ready to review individual cases.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Whilst Bira has been campaigning against the rises in NICs and business rates, we have been working with Family Business UK to address the scandalous changes in Inheritance tax relief, specifically the business property relief. Independent retail is made up of many long standing family businesses, proudly serving their communities for many years.

"There can be no greater satisfaction than, after many years hard work, to pass the business on to younger family members. The changes to inheritance tax make this very much harder, if not impossible in some cases. It is hard to understand why the government is doing this, especially as there is so little reward, if any, for them.

"We will continue to work with our partners to campaign for this change to be reversed. This is no way to revitalise high streets – ironically one of the main focus areas for this government."

To support this initiative, Bira is encouraging independent retailers to utilise the letter template, making it easier to share personal stories and advocate for change. The shared goal is to ensure that policymakers fully understand the challenges posed by the current cap and the urgent need for reform.