Farmers protesting against proposed inheritance tax changes parked their tractors outside Clacton Town Hall while Tendring councillors discussed how the rural economy might be affected.

At the council’s last full meeting, members backed a motion calling for the government to put the changes on hold.

Leader Mark Stephenson will write to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to ask her to pause the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, announced in October’s Budget. The council will also lobby the Local Government Association (LGA)

The changes will see inherited agricultural assets valued at more than £1million subject to a 20 per cent inheritance tax – from which they were previously exempt – from April 2026.

Following the meeting Councillor Stephenson, said: “Councillors fear the changes could potentially seriously affect Tendring because a large part of the district is of a rural nature.”

He added: “I will be writing to the government to call for the introduction of the new rules to be paused until a full and national consultation takes place with all those who would be affected – prepared with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the National Framers Union (NFU) to ensure it reaches a maximum number of farmers.

“Councillors recognise that family farms across the district have raised concerns for the future of their businesses – and that we depend on them for our food security as well as the stewardship of our countryside. It was noted that our farmers support this council and our local communities in a variety of ways and farming makes a significant contribution to our district’s economy.”