PROBATE REFORMS

The government's plans to introduce a sliding scale of probate charges to replace the current flat rate of £125 have been repeatedly delayed due to Brexit. The increases were due to come into effect on 1 April but parliament has failed table a motion for the proposals to be heard in the Commons. The move was expected to raise £155m a year for the Treasury. The controversial proposals have been condemned by critics, including the Law Society, as a 'stealth death tax' on the bereaved. 8 April 2019

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