Inheritance Tax Changes From April 2026: What Oldham & Rochdale Families Need to Know

Inheritance Tax has been in the news more than ever in 2026, and families across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside are rightly asking what the changes mean for them. The good news is that the core allowances most families rely on — the £325,000 nil-rate band and the £175,000 residence nil-rate band — remain in place. But several important changes took effect from 6 April 2026, and more reform is being discussed. Here's a clear, jargon-free summary.

1. New caps on business and agricultural reliefs

From 6 April 2026, a £1 million cap applies to the combined value of assets eligible for 100% Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). Above £1 million, relief drops to 50% — meaning more of the value of a family business or farm could become taxable. For farming families around Saddleworth, Rochdale and the surrounding countryside, this is the most significant change in a generation.

2. Interest-free payment over 10 years

The government has extended the option to pay Inheritance Tax by equal annual instalments over 10 years, interest-free, to more estates. This is designed to ease the cash-flow pressure of having to sell a home or business quickly to meet a tax bill — a real worry for many families we speak to.

"The rules around reliefs are changing, but the principle hasn't: sensible, early planning still keeps more of your estate with the people you love."

3. Wider reform on the horizon

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, there has been growing speculation about further IHT reform — including possible consolidation of reliefs or even changes to the headline rate. Nothing is confirmed yet, but it makes reviewing your Will and estate plan now, rather than later, all the more sensible.

What this means for you

• If you own a business or farmland, the new £1 million relief cap could affect how much your family pays — review your planning sooner rather than later.
• If your estate is mainly a family home and savings below the £1 million combined allowance, very little changes for you — but a Will still ensures it passes to the right people.
• If you've been putting off writing a Will, the prospect of further reform is a good reason to get it done now while the rules are clear.

We'll explain it at your kitchen table

Tax changes can feel overwhelming, but they don't have to be. We'll sit down with you at home across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, explain exactly how the 2026 changes affect your family in plain English, and only suggest planning that genuinely helps. No jargon, no hard sell — just honest local advice.