Recent News that Probate fees are set to rise have been met with mixed feelings from those within the Legal profession and the Public.
The Government intends to recoup an extra £25 million a year from such an increase and The Ministry of Justice argues that the current system is operating at a loss.
Under the new Proposals published on the 8th of July 2021 fees to apply for a grant of Probate will increase from £155 and £215 for Solicitors and individuals respectively to a fixed fee of £273 for all applicants regardless of the size of the Estate.
Currently the Government argues that the service costs HMRC more to process probate applications than what it receives. Thus the service is a burden on the taxpayer who effectively are subsidising the processing of probate applications. The Government is keen to stress the proposals will not result in any profit for themselves. A Consultation process is currently taking place.