Probate fees

SIR – Having been an executor four times, I have always had excellent service from the Probate Offices, paying a reasonable fee on each occasion. I understood that their prime function is to ensure that the person seeking Grant of Probate is the correct individual. The actual value of the estate is irrelevant, except for assessing the necessity or otherwise of inheritance tax.

The proposal to increase this fee relative to the value of the estate (Money, November 18) is unreasonable and does not reflect any additional administrative cost. It is therefore no different from an extra tax. Michael Page

Blewbury, Oxfordshire