‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.’
This famous quote, attributed to Benjamin Franklin, holds as true today as it did at the time of writing in 1789. Given that versions of this sentiment date back to the early 18th century, and continue to be in use in 2017, it seems that death and taxes are two of mankind’s main preoccupations.
And so it came as no surprise that a government plan to hike probate fees paid by bereaved families met with fierce opposition. Under the proposed changes, probate fees had been due to rise from £155 or £215 to up to £20,000 for some estates in England and Wales from May.
Now, following the Prime Minister’s decision to hold a snap election in June, these increases have been scrapped. The Ministry of Justice said last night that there was no longer time to push the legislation on new fees through parliament.
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