The son of a Yorkshire farmer who died by suicide on the eve of the October 2024 budget has described the government's subsequent U-turn on inheritance tax changes as a 'well fought-for victory', while stating his father would still be alive had the policy never been proposed.
A Tragic Loss Amid Policy Uncertainty
John Charlesworth, known as Philip, was found dead at the age of 78 in a barn on the family farm near Silkstone, South Yorkshire, on October 29, 2023. The day before Chancellor Rachel Reeves was due to deliver the budget, he had grown deeply anxious about anticipated reforms to Inheritance Tax (IHT) agricultural relief for farms. His son, Jonathan, discovered him and a handwritten note detailing frantic last-minute plans to shield the farm from the taxman.
The inquest in Sheffield last April heard Mr Charlesworth was struggling to care for his wife, who had severe dementia and cancer, while also fearing the family could lose half their livelihood. Coroner Tanyka Rawden concluded he took his own life, driven by worries over the new tax rules. 'He wasn’t going to let the government beat him,' the hearing was told.
A 'Disastrous' Policy and a Costly U-Turn
Jonathan Charlesworth, who now runs the small cattle and sheep farm, has spoken out forcefully against the government's handling of the issue. He blamed the 'poorly-researched IHT raid on farms' announced in the budget, alongside pre-budget leaks, for creating the climate of fear that led to his father's death.
'It was an ill-researched, hastily announced measure, without industry consultation,' he said. 'Poor planning and implementation by a disastrous government that could have been handled in a much better way, sparing my father and others from taking drastic measures.'
The original policy would have scrapped IHT agricultural relief for farms valued at over £1 million from April 2025. Following intense pressure from the farming community, the government has now revised the threshold to £2.5 million. Mr Charlesworth called this revision 'a step in the right direction' and 'the best Christmas present for a lot of farmers'.
A Bittersweet Victory for the Countryside
While welcoming the change, Jonathan Charlesworth emphasised the profound human cost. 'This government shows a complete lack of understanding and compassion towards farming and the countryside in general,' he stated. 'A government should stand up for the minorities in the country and not persecute them.'
He acknowledged the relief the U-turn will bring to many, saying more farming families will sleep easier this Christmas. However, he noted that larger family farms above the new threshold will still face significant planning challenges. 'It's a welcome U-turn that won't bring back the lives lost over the last year or so due to the anxiety caused,' he added, 'but will hopefully prevent a flood of suicides.'
In his final hours, John Charlesworth had meticulously written down questions for the family solicitor about capital gains tax, protected exemptions, and the seven-year gift rule in a desperate bid to save the farm for his children. That clipboard was found directly beneath his suicide note, a stark testament to the extreme pressure he felt.
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