Andrew Dismore

 Dear editor

This time last year,  one issue  over which  the Conservatives particularly   attacked Labour in the General Election, was the plan for a mansion tax on properties  worth over £2 million, with unfounded scare  stories about how much it would be. 

Imagine my surprise, therefore, to learn that the Conservatives are now proposing their very own mansion stealth tax, which goes much further down the scale, too!

In a little publicised announcement the Ministry of Justice is consulting on a huge increase in probate fees, paid on the value of the estates of deceased- and not just real estate, but everything to be passed on. Beneficiaries will see their inheritance dramatically reduced under the Conservatives’  scheme.

This tax increase is designed to raise an extra £250 million a year. Under the plan, estates worth over £500,000 will  have to pay £4,000; those worth  £1 million, £8,000;  and   estates of £2 million or more,  a  whopping £20,000  – a mega  increase on the current fee of  just £155.

The Conservatives say it is all about  ‘reducing worry for executors at what is often a very difficult and distressing time,’ – but it seems to me that this new swingeing  tax will do nothing  of the sort: it will increase worry and distress, as executors will have to find the tax to finalise   their deceased loved one’s  estate.

This is their  mansion stealth tax. I wait to see if the Conservative MPs for Barnet vote against it!

Andrew Dismore AM

Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden