The controversial new probate fees announced by the government in November have been referred to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by independent financial advisory group LEBC.
LEBC claims that the dramatic increase in fees would cause ‘hardship and distress’ to the bereaved.
The new sliding scale of fees starts at a figure of £250 for estates of £50,000, rising to £6,000 for those in excess of £2m. In some cases, where cash is unavailable, it is unclear where the executors will find the funds for the additional cost.
Last week, a House of Commons legislative committee voted by nine votes to eight to approve the new charges. It is likely to be passed by the House of Commons, meaning it would be in force by April.
Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable also believes the attempted implementation of new fees without parliamentary scrutiny is wrong, saying in the Daily Mail that it is ‘a clear abuse of power’.
Should the new fees be approved by parliament before implementation?