Controversial probate fee increase proposal has been scrapped
Robert Buckland, the Secretary of State for Justice, has announced that the huge increase in probate fees proposed under the former Prime Minister Theresa May has been scrapped.
The increase would have charged probate applicants up to £6000 depending on the value of the estate. Currently there is a flat fee of £155, if the application is made through of solicitor, or £215 for personal applications.
Buckland has announced the he has decided that the policy was not ‘fair and proportionate’. The related statutory instrument, which has for months been awaiting parliamentary approval, will be withdrawn. Instead, the next annual review of court fees will consider making small adjustments to cover the costs of probate applications.
