Telegraph Money

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The Telegraph take

By Sophie Smith personal finance reporter

Thousands of property transactions are at risk of failing because of huge delays in probate applications before the introduction of controversial new fees. For the largest estates, this is an increase of 3,770pc – and a bill of 6,000.
Telegraph Money readers have slammed the levy increase as another tax on dying. "Pretty soon you won't be able to afford death", said one. If you have been affected by the delays, our personal finance reporter Harry Brennan would like to hear from you. Email: [email protected]
Solicitors have also warned that the introduction of new probate fees will be used as a way for unregulated providers to sell trust arrangements people do not necessarily need.
This weekend we reported the collapse of a string of unregulated firms that promised to cut care home fees and inheritance tax via the use of trusts, which has left families fearing for the control of their homes and other assets.
Richard Bates, of solicitors Cognitive Law, said people could be tempted by trust providers offering to protect their estates, but warned that the cost of setting up a trust is likely to be just as much as the highest proposed probate fee band.
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You have the last word...

Graham Stanton said about Our ambidextrous tax system is giving with one hand and taking with the other: "Once we have equality of pensions between the public and private sectors, and unions that give a consideration to the public they are supposed to serve as well as their members, I will accept that taxes need to increase to maintain services. Until then..."
Pradeep Chand said about Cut the winter fuel allowance to fund social care, says senior Tory: "What a ludicrous proposal from Damien Green! Will just cause more social misery for many pensioners. Why not bite the bullet and make the bankers and fat cats contribute a bit more? How about a 50pc tax on all bonuses in excess of 100,000 per annum?"
H Lilly said about Would-be home sellers stranded as property listings hit record low: "This is all caused by George Osborne's ludicrous stamp duty changes – get rid of this tax immediately. It will bring part of our economy back to life, many trades depend on the work generated by people moving."

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