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A tragic incident unfolded the day before the government’s Budget when a farmer, John Charlesworth, took his own life after weeks of fretting over upcoming changes to inheritance tax. His son revealed that John was determined to “beat” the proposed government plans and secure the farm for future generations. John, 78, known by his middle name Philip, was discovered deceased by his son Jonathan Charlesworth, 47, in a barn on their Silkstone farm in Barnsley on October 29 the previous year. At the Sheffield Coroner’s Court, coroner Tanyka Rawden ruled the cause of death as suicide.
During the inquest, it was disclosed that John had been facing difficulties in caring for his wife, who was battling severe dementia and cancer. The months leading up to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget saw John becoming increasingly anxious about the implications of inheritance tax on the farm. Jonathan Charlesworth stated, “I think he was under stress looking after my mum but if it hadn’t been for worries about inheritance tax he would still be here today.”
Evidently consumed by concerns regarding inheritance tax, John had discussions on the topic frequently in the months leading up to his passing. The lack of information and uncertainty about the severity of the implications led John to take drastic action to protect what he had worked for. Despite being described as a “typical Yorkshireman, typical farmer,” John’s mental state deteriorated to the point where he felt compelled to make a drastic decision. Reflecting on his father’s mindset, Jonathan remarked, “He thought he was doing it for the greater good. I don’t agree with that, but he thought he was doing it for the greater good.”
The inquest further revealed that John had retired from the farm, which had been passed down from his own father. As his son managed the day-to-day operations, John took care of his ailing wife until her passing earlier this year. While John had no reported mental health issues, his concerns about losing a significant portion of the farm due to inheritance tax weighed heavily on his mind. Described as a devoted grandfather and a passionate bell-ringer, John’s deep connection to farming was an integral part of his life and identity. The tragic loss of John Charlesworth serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact financial worries can have on individuals and families
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