We, the undersigned, call upon the UK Government to urgently reform or abolish the current inheritance tax (IHT) system, which is unjustly penalising families and exacerbating the housing crisis—especially in high-cost areas such as London and the South East.

Inheritance Tax is levied at 40% on estates valued above £325,000, with limited reliefs. While this threshold may once have been reasonable, it no longer reflects the reality of today’s housing market. In many parts of the UK, particularly London, average house prices far exceed this limit, meaning that ordinary families are being taxed not for extraordinary wealth, but simply for owning a modest home.

This unfair tax is:

• Forcing families to sell lifelong homes just to meet the tax burden, often at a time of grief and vulnerability.

• Driving displacement, as people are priced out of their communities and compelled to move away from work, schools, and support networks.

• Worsening the housing crisis, as homes that could remain with families are instead sold under pressure—sometimes at below-market value—to cover tax bills.

• Outdated and disproportionate, punishing those who worked hard, paid taxes their entire lives, and hoped to pass something on to their children.

We urge the Government to:

• Raise the IHT threshold significantly, particularly in areas where average property prices are far above the current £325,000 limit.

 • Introduce meaningful exemptions or reliefs for primary residences passed on to direct descendants.

 • Consider full abolition of the tax, or replace it with a more modern and equitable system that doesn’t punish families for inheriting modest homes.
The current system is not just outdated—it is immoral. It turns inheritance into a burden and deepens inequality at a time when housing security is already under enormous strain.

We demand change now.