'It's been hard lying in hospital thinking how to save my farm': Countryfile segment lays bare mental health toll of IHT reforms

A powerful episode of BBC Countryfile, which aired on Sunday October 26, has highlighted the devastating impact of proposed Government reforms to Inheritance Tax on family farms across the UK.

The changes, which come into effect from April 2026, introduce a cap to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief of £1 million, with any combined asset value over this threshold to be taxed at 20%.

Farming unions have widely criticised the proposals, arguing that the changes could force families to sell off large portions of their farm and assets, if not the farm itself.

Countryfile segment

Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith sat down with fifth-generation Pembrokeshire farmer Charles Rees, who farms 370 acres with his son, Tom, to discuss the impact of the reforms on their family.

In the emotional segment which some viewers said brought them to tears, the family outlined how the worry surrounding the tax has impacted their mental health, especially as Mr Rees recovers following a cancer diagnosis in February.

Register for our free webinar on October 30: One year on - Where are we on Inheritance Tax?

Mr Rees described the uncertainty facing his family, recalling how he faced similar challenges when inheriting the farm from his own father in the 1970s.

"It took me 10 years to pay it off," he said.

"I couldn't do anything but farm with a little tractor and a stick. And then once I'd managed to pay all that tax off, we had a few good years."

When asked about the impact of the proposed reforms, Mr Rees became visibly emotional as he reflected on his efforts to both recover his health and protect the family business.

"I've been here for 70 years, it's everything I've ever done."

"It's been hard for me, lying in the hospital bed thinking, ‘how am I going to save my farm?', and trying to have all this treatment to save my life," he said.

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Mental health

"Sometimes I think, what the hell are you doing it all for? Because if something doesn't change by next April, I'd probably top myself."

Ms Smith said: "You've really thought about that? Because of the farm?", with Mr Rees confirming: "Oh God yes."

"I'm only looking after the place for Tom, my father looked after it for me, and my grandfather for him. That's what it is."

"You think it'll be harder this time for Tom to be able to pay the tax?" Ms Smith asked.

"Yes, he's not going to have a chance. Not a hope," he replied.

The moment left both Mr Rees and his wife Ruth deeply moved, as Ms Rees shared how difficult it had been to watch her husband struggle with the uncertainty surrounding their future.

"When he was diagnosed, he said to me one day, ‘to be honest, for the farm point of view, I'd be better off if I didn't have the treatment.'"

Since the interview was filmed, Mr Rees has undergone surgery and is now in recovery.

Warning this film discusses sensitive issues such as suicide. If you need help or support you can contact Samaritans: 116 123

Our Crops Board Chair Tom & family appeared on Countryfile last night sharing their heart-breaking concerns on changes to inheritance tax.

📺BBC iPlayer pic.twitter.com/zHLltmpfaS

— NFU Cymru 🚜 (@NFUCymru) October 27, 2025

Farming unions

NFU Cymru shared a clip of the interview on social media this week, alongside a warning that the film discusses sensitive issues including suicide.

The union reiterated its call for Government to reconsider the Inheritance Tax reforms, citing concerns over their potential impact on both the future of family farms and farmers' mental health.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the upcoming 2025 Autumn Budget represents a key opportunity for ministers to mitigate the policy's effect on rural businesses, while Tom Rees stressed the need for clarity to enable families to plan succession and investment.

"This is about safeguarding family farming for the next generation," he said.

The full interview can be viewed on BBC iPlayer. 

Support

If you are in need of support, please contact: 

• RABI: 0800 188 4444

• FCN: 03000 111 999

• RSABI: 0300 111 4166

• Addington Fund: 01926 620 135

• Samaritans: 116 123

• You Are Not Alone: 0300 323 0400

• NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (Available 24/7)

• If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

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