The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has been accused of waging 'war on Downton Abbey' after hiking taxes on the nation's historic country homes. A survey suggests many estates could be forced to cut staff due to increased inheritance tax and National Insurance contributions. Critics, including Tory culture spokesman Saqib Bhatti, argue the measures threaten Britain's heritage and history.
Rachel Reeves has been accused of waging ‘war on Downton Abbey ’ by hiking taxes on the nation’s historic country homes. The Chancellor is facing claims that her Budget of inheritance tax hikes and other rises could even ‘spell the end’ for some estates. A survey for the Historic Houses association – which includes Highclere Castle where the ITV drama Downton Abbey was filmed – reveals many could be forced to cut staff.
Tory culture spokesman Saqib Bhatti accused Ms Reeves and Labour of ‘an assault on Britain’s beloved heritage and history’ as these homes were the beating heart of the countryside. Mr Bhatti said: ‘Their war on Downton Abbey is economically illiterate and threatens our history. ‘They came for our farmers, they came for our pensioners and now they are setting out to destroy our heritage by demolishing our stately homes, loved by so many.’ Lady Carnarvon, who runs Highclere Castle in Hampshire with her husband, also hit out at the hike in employers’ National Insurance contributions. ‘I feel we are almost being taxed out of business,’ she said. Rachel Reeves has been accused of waging ‘war on Downton Abbey ’ by hiking taxes on the nation’s historic country homes Lord and Lady Carnarvon outside of Highclere Estate which was used as the main filming location for Downton Abbey. A survey for the Historic Houses association – which includes the castle – reveals many could be forced to cut staff Tory culture spokesman Saqib Bhatti (pictured) said: ‘Their war on Downton Abbey is economically illiterate and threatens our history' ‘Every hospitality business is partly about employing people. These Budget measures will not help.’ Farmers have reacted in fury to the decision by Ms Reeves (pictured) to remove the inheritance tax exemption for agricultural property and business assets despite ministers claiming it will likely affect only 500 estates a yea
Taxation Historic Homes Downton Abbey Budget Inheritance Tax
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