The High Court has scheduled an urgent two-day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Government’s changes to inheritance tax for family businesses and family farms.
The hearing is scheduled for the 17-18 March and will be heard by a panel of senior judges in the Divisional Courts.
The Claimants behind the Judicial Review against the changes to BPR and APR believe the Government acted unlawfully by failing to comply with prior promises to consult properly with affected taxpayers, and undertaking only a limited technical consultation in relation to certain narrow aspects of their APR and BPR changes.
Commenting on the announcement, Fiona Graham, COO Family Business UK said:
“Family businesses have known for some time that a High Court hearing on the changes to BPR and APR was imminent. Owners will welcome this clarification that it will now be heard in March.
“The changes to BPR and APR for all family-owned businesses pose a material challenge to their long-term prospects. In the face of that uncertainty, businesses have paused and cancelled investment and jobs as a result of the policy change.
“Family businesses crave certainty—it underpins their long-term approach. We will continue to support our Members and all family businesses to ensure they have the clarity they need to thrive as a multi-generational business.