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The BBC has confirmed it will include the family farm tax in its popular rural Radio4 drama .

The broadcaster had received criticism from campaign group the Countryside Alliance who described the lack of mention of Rachel Reeves' Budget and the impact it will have on farming communities as a ‘very strange' omission.

However, a spokesperson for the show, which is the world's longest-running daily drama series, said: "The Archers is recorded several months in advance but we have already made it clear that we plan to cover Inheritance Tax more fully in future storylines.

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"The programme has a dedicated farming and countryside advisor who works with the team to ensure we accurately reflect the big issues within the rural community.

"Breaking news and developing stories about rural issues are covered in depth across BBC News and programmes such as Farming Today," the spokesperson added.

Inheritance Tax

According to commentators on social media, the only reference so far to the controversial changes to Inheritance Tax which are being introduced by Labour, was a brief statement by dairy farmer and leading character David Archer.

Speaking to his friend Leonard Berry in one episode, the character said: "There is a lot of anger about this new inheritance tax on farms," with Leonard replying: "But we need those taxes to pay for things like the NHS."

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance described it as 'frankly very strange' as The Archers had in the past 'reflected the grassroots feeling in the farming and rural community even on contentious issues'.