Reforms to storage of wills in the UK: STEP’s view on the challenges and solutions

The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has proposed reforms that would see original paper wills dating back to 1858 converted into digital form, with the original then destroyed. The only wills that would be kept in paper form, if this reform goes ahead, would be those of famous people. Historians and others have criticised the… Read More Reforms to storage of wills in the UK: STEP’s view on the challenges and solutions

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STEP responds to UK consultation about transparency of land ownership involving trusts

STEP has responded to a UK government consultation that seeks views on improving transparency of land ownership involving trusts and options to widen access to trust information held on the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE). Transparency and privacy The extent to which information about trusts and companies should be publicly available has been much discussed… Read More STEP responds to UK consultation about transparency of land ownership involving trusts

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Justice Committee’s inquiry into probate service of England and Wales

STEP is responding to the House of Commons’ Justice Committee’s inquiry into the probate service of England and Wales and the causes of delays. The consultation examines resource and capacity of the probate service to process applications, while considering long-lasting solutions to alleviate future case backlog. Background The quality of the probate service has declined… Read More Justice Committee’s inquiry into probate service of England and Wales

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STEP’s vital role in combatting corruption

What is International Anti-Corruption Day? Established 20 years ago by the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), International Anti-Corruption Day is on 9 December. It aims is to shine a light on the way corruption impacts the world. This year’s theme is ‘Uniting the World against Corruption’, highlighting its impact on peace, security and economic and… Read More STEP’s vital role in combatting corruption

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HMCTS Probate User Group update – May 2023

STEP is a member of the Probate User Group, which brings together His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS), professional bodies and charities to address issues with the probate service. At a recent meeting, the challenges that HMCTS (in England and Wales) faces in catching up with an increasing workload and reducing timeframes were discussed.… Read More HMCTS Probate User Group update – May 2023

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Dementia Action Week: STEP’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Disease International

This week is Dementia Action Week in the UK. It is an ideal opportunity for us to tell you about our partnership with the charity Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI is our current STEP Private Client Awards Charity Partner. While entries to the Awards are free, we encourage entrants to donate to our charity partner.… Read More Dementia Action Week: STEP’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Disease International

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UK Spring Budget: key updates for STEP’s members

The Chancellor’s Spring Budget coincided with a challenging set of global circumstances. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank just days prior emphasised the need for economic confidence, investment and growth here in the United Kingdom. Coined as the ’back-to-work’ Budget, the Chancellor’s focus was on incentivising the skilled workforce to remain in work longer. Among… Read More UK Spring Budget: key updates for STEP’s members

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