Family Business United Renews Call For Full Reversal Of APR And BPR Reforms

Family Business United ('FBU') has reiterated its commitment to campaigning for a full reversal of the changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), highlighting the continued uncertainty facing family businesses and the need for a long-term policy framework that supports generational thinking, investment and sustainable business ownership.

The 2026 Autumn Budget has done little to provide the reassurance or certainty that family businesses have been seeking, with the Government choosing not to revisit the changes to APR and BPR originally announced by Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget of October 2024.

Despite widespread concerns from across the family business community, and continued calls for the reforms to be reconsidered, the fundamental issues remain. The changes, which came into effect in April 2026, continue to create uncertainty for family business owners as they consider the future of their businesses, plan succession and make decisions about investment and growth.

FBU believes that the case for a full reversal remains as important as ever and that the Government needs to recognise the distinctive contribution that family businesses make to the UK economy and the communities in which they operate.

Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United, commented: "Family businesses think differently. They invest for the long term, make decisions with the next generation in mind and often measure success not simply in terms of the next financial quarter, but in terms of what they can build and pass on to those who follow."

"That long-term perspective is one of the great strengths of the family business model, but it requires an environment in which business owners have confidence to invest, grow, employ people and plan for the future."

"The changes to APR and BPR have undermined that confidence. The subsequent adjustments to the original proposals have not addressed the fundamental concerns, and the 2026 Autumn Budget has done very little to provide comfort to the family business community. There remains a real need for clarity, consistency and a policy framework that supports the long-term sustainability of family-owned enterprises."

"Furthermore, there was very little recognition of the multigenerational family firms that make a difference across the UK on a daily basis, and too much support for technology businesses and start-ups. We need to offer more support to the businesses that are already established and want to invest and continue to grow, passing the business on to subsequent generations as they do so."

"Our position remains clear. We believe that a full reversal of the APR and BPR changes is necessary. This is not simply about inheritance tax; it is about the future of businesses that provide employment, create wealth, invest in their communities and contribute so much to the economic and social fabric of the UK."

"Family firms are built over generations, not overnight. Government policy needs to recognise that reality and provide the stability and certainty that allows these businesses to continue making a difference for generations to come."

Family businesses are significant contributors to the UK economy, supporting millions of jobs, generating wealth and providing opportunities across every region and sector of the country. Many have been built over decades, sometimes centuries, with successive generations investing their time, energy and resources to create businesses that are intended to endure.

For these businesses, succession is about much more than the transfer of ownership. It is about preserving employment, maintaining investment, protecting relationships with customers and suppliers, supporting local communities and ensuring that the business remains sustainable for the next generation.

FBU believes that tax policy should recognise the importance of responsible long-term ownership and avoid creating unnecessary barriers to business continuity. A lack of certainty around the future tax environment can influence decisions being made today, with consequences that extend well beyond the immediate family or business concerned. Family firms need to know if the Chancellor plans to back them or tax them and whilst this remains unclear decision making on investments and longer term projects is likely to be questioned.

FBU will continue to make the case for a full reversal of the APR and BPR changes, engaging with policymakers and representing the interests of the family business community. A recent letter to the new Prime Minister captured the feelings of the community but the voice of family firms needs to continue in order to ensure that these businesses are not forgotten.

FBU is calling for the Government to recognise that family businesses need more than short-term adjustments and incremental changes. They need a stable, predictable and supportive policy environment that encourages investment, rewards responsible ownership and enables businesses to plan with confidence.

Paul Andrews added: "We will continue to champion the family business community and make the case for policies that support businesses with a genuine commitment to the long term."

"These are businesses that are rooted in their communities, employ people, develop skills, support supply chains and reinvest in the future. They are often the businesses that make a real and lasting difference to the places in which they operate."

"If we want successful family businesses to remain in the UK, continue to invest and pass their legacy on to future generations, we need policies that support that ambition. The need for a full reversal of the APR and BPR changes has not gone away, and neither has our determination to keep making that case."

FBU will continue to campaign for a policy environment that recognises, supports and protects the long-term contribution of family businesses across the UK. In the meantime, family firms are encouraged to continue to engage with their local MP's and to demonstrate the significant contribution family firms make to the national economy and to wherever possible explain the impact that the changes introduced to APR and BPR are having.

Keep up to date with all the latest news and developments associated with the APR and BPR campaign here