The increase in Probate Court fees which would have seen the fee for applications for Probate for some estates rise to £20,000 from £155 has been shelved as a result of the imminent election.

The rise had anyway been severely criticised by the parliamentary Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, describing the increase (which many considered as another form of inheritance tax) as likely to exceed the powers given to government.

The proposed hike had resulted in a rush to apply for Grants of Probate before the new fees were to be increased in May, causing administrative difficulties for both HMRC and the Probate Registries.

It remains to be seen whether a similar increase might form part of any party’s manifesto.

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