Rob Cope explains why charities and the legal profession need to co-operate to ensure legislation evolves in a way that protects legacy giving

We’re seeing significant growth in legacy giving, with a broader range of charities being named in wills. It’s a huge opportunity for the charity sector.

In 2020 we expect to see proposals for legislation that will change the way that people write their wills for generations to follow, including changes to inheritance tax and the probate structure.

First of all, let’s remind ourselves how much of a big deal charitable bequest are for us as a nation. The UK public donates a phenomenal £3bn to good causes through their wills each year – a 50% increase on donation values a decade earlier.

This makes legacy giving the largest contributor of voluntary income across the country. In other words, c...

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