THE FUW has welcomed a UK Government announcement to raise the proposed inheritance tax threshold on agricultural assets, describing the move as an “early Christmas present” for farming families across Wales.

The Government confirmed on Tuesday (Dec 23) that the cap on 100% Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will increase from £1 million to £2.5 million per person. Assets above that level will qualify for 50% relief.

When combined with measures announced in last month’s UK Budget allowing unused reliefs to be transferred between spouses, the changes will create an effective inheritance tax allowance of up to £5 million for married farming couples.

The revised thresholds are expected to come into force on April 6, 2026.

Responding to the announcement, FUW President Ian Rickman said the decision would ease months of uncertainty that had weighed heavily on the sector.

“Today’s news will be a welcome early Christmas present for many farmers across Wales who have endured months of uncertainty and anxiety caused by the UK Government’s ill-thought-out changes to inheritance tax,” he said.

“The Government’s initial proposals caused untold worry for farming families and seriously dented confidence across the sector and the wider rural economy, as farmers feared for the long-term succession of their businesses.”

The FUW said it had spent the past year lobbying for a fairer and more proportionate approach to inheritance tax reform, warning that earlier proposals risked undermining family-run farms and rural communities.

Mr Rickman added: “Our calls for change have been echoed by opposition parties, cross-party parliamentary committees, and an increasing number of the Government’s own MPs.

“At a time of considerable uncertainty and volatility for farmers across Wales, these revisions to the tax threshold offer some much-needed relief.”

However, he said the union remained frustrated by how the reforms were originally handled.

“While we remain disappointed with the Government’s approach, I would like to thank Ministers in the Wales Office for their willingness to engage in dialogue with us on this issue,” he added.

The FUW said it would continue to press for long-term tax policies that support farm succession, food security, and the sustainability of rural Wales.

Runner circles Britain’s coastline to raise funds for Samaritans after her own mental health struggles

A FINANCIAL journalist is running a marathon every day for nearly seven months around the entire coastline of Britain in a bid to raise money and awareness for the Samaritans.

Megan Boxall, aged 33, set off on her 5,240-mile challenge from Suffolk in October and aims to finish in May 2026. If successful, she will become the fastest woman ever to run the British coastline, beating the current record of 298 days set by Lindsey ‘Linzi’ Bell.

Megan’s motivation is deeply personal. She has spoken openly about struggling with her mental health over several years and credits running with helping her find hope. During her darkest moments, she reached out to the Samaritans.

She said: “When I was at my lowest, the Samaritans helped me keep going. Their volunteers were there for me when the pain in my brain was so intense I couldn’t even pick myself up off the floor. I only wish I had picked up the phone sooner.”

According to the charity, someone in the UK dies by suicide every 90 minutes, while Samaritans volunteers answer a call for help every ten seconds.

Megan said she hopes her challenge will encourage more people to talk openly about mental health and seek support when they need it.

“I hope that by sharing my experiences with Samaritans, and by raising money as I circle the country, I can help others who are struggling,” she said.

The idea of running the British coastline has stayed with Megan since childhood, inspired by her uncle, Tom Isaacs, who walked the coast after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease aged 33.

She is not completing the journey entirely alone. Megan’s dog, Shadow, will be joining her for parts of the route, with dog-tech sponsor PitPat helping the pair track their miles together.

Along the way, Megan also plans to interview local businesses she meets on her route, highlighting the importance of coastal communities to the UK economy and sharing positive stories from around the country.

So far, she has raised £10,000 towards her £50,000 target and is seeking additional partners to support the challenge, including accommodation providers along the route.

More information about the challenge, and how to support it, can be found at meganboxall.com, or via her JustGiving page.

Police appeal for witnesses after early-morning incident near Sands

DYFED POWYS-POLICE are investigating an assault outside Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot which left a man with a broken jaw.

The incident is believed to have taken place between 2:00am and 4:00am on Sunday, November 9.

Police said the victim was punched in the face during the altercation and sustained serious injuries.

Two people were arrested in connection with the incident. One has since been released with no further action, while the other has been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant information, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via 101 or email [email protected]. Information can also be submitted online through the force website.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting their website.

Quote reference: 25000920262