Barnsley Farmer Commits Suicide Over Inheritance Tax Stress

John Charlesworth, known as Philip, a 78-year-old farmer from Silkstone, Barnsley, took his own life the day before the UK Budget due to mounting anxiety over impending changes to inheritance tax, an inquest at Sheffield Coroner's Court revealed. Philip had been caring for his wife, who suffered from severe dementia and cancer, and his family believes that while caregiving was stressful, it was the fear of losing the family farm to a 50% inheritance tax that drove his decision. His son Jonathan stated that Philip wanted to "beat" the government's proposals to save the farm for future generations and that there was a significant lack of clear information about the tax changes, which heightened his father's distress. The inquest highlighted that Philip had no reported mental health issues and had recently received support related to his wife's care. Family members emphasized that farming was integral to Philip's identity and legacy, and they expressed grief while sharing his story to shed light on the pressures faced by farmers. The case underscores the emotional toll government policy changes can have on individuals managing both family and business responsibilities.