As often as the weather

Last week, I looked at the proposed overhaul of Inheritance Tax (IHT). It sounds practical and fair, but will it ever happen? We can only plan for tomorrow on the rules as they are today. We have to take clients on the merry dance around the different reliefs and exemptions available now and work with them. If things change, we will need to look again. We cannot rely on the proposals as a reason to forget about IHT.

Likewise, Boris’s promise to build cross party consensus on a long-term solution for adult social care. The government promised to make a start on this within 100 days but it is already more than 3 years since the Conservatives promised a green paper.

For a review to succeed, it needs to be supported by the PM and Chancellor, otherwise it will all end up in the bin with the Dilnot enquiry outcome. It needs public awareness, engagement and support and to bring in other political parties to avoid becoming a political football to be kicked around only to land in long grass.

It may be that Boris creates an effective, fair, state funded care system, that we all pay a share towards, depending on our means, through tax. I am all in favour of that. For now though, it is a messy, underfunded lottery. If you are unlucky enough to be poorly, but not poorly enough to qualify for NHS treatment, your assets will whistle away like a brolly on a windy Tuesday afternoon.

You’re in safe hands

Trust our team of local experts to provide the best advice on a wide range of legal and financial issues whenever you’re facing a life change and need the best support.

0800 389 2939

Our team are available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Find Your BranchMEET THE TEAM

Sign up for our newsletter

Your details

Signing up to our newsletter will place you on our weekly property guide, providing you with the latest properties for sale and industry news.
You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy and will not share your details.

© Poole Townsend 2017 - 2025. All rights reserved.
Poole Townsend Estates Ltd. (Company number 10960705) is a company registered in England and Wales with its registered office at 69-75 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness LA14 1RP. A list of directors is available at the registered office address. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 8004592. VAT Registration number 288092466. Our Estate Agency is a member of The Property Ombudsman Scheme.

Poole Townsend Estates Ltd Property Client account has client money protection, to view our Client Money Protection Certificate please click here. To view our Equality and Diversity Data please click here. The Propertymark Conduct and Membership Rules can be found here.

Poole Townsend Financial Services Ltd (Company no:10964550) is a company registered in England and Wales with its registered office at 69-75 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 1RP. A list of directors is available at the registered office address. We are independent financial advisers authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. VAT registration number :154365563. Poole Townsend Financial Services Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register. https://register.fca.org.uk under reference 807084..

Professional Indemnity Insurance – please contact Martin Oates at the address above if you require details of cover held.

Registered with the Information Commissioners Office for data protection purposes (ICO No: ZA494153 & ZA331395)

Top