Probate delays continue to have a serious impact on charities

In a recent poll carried out by Rathbones, the general consensus found was that charities continue to be negatively impacted by ongoing probate delays. Rathbones confirmed that this finding is largely unchanged compared to their early 2024 poll results. 

Despite there being an improvement in the turnaround time at the Probate Registry (4.9 - 14 weeks for online applications and 13 weeks for paper applications), complex cases usually take significantly longer.  

Unfortunately, legacy income is an established source of revenue for charities, and the ongoing delays are resulting in such organisations having to make various cuts to their services. This is particularly at a time when charities are seeing a demand for their services. It is also noted that internal redundancies appear to be on the rise. 

Whilst it is hoped that we will continue to see an improvement in the service offered by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), charities need to remain mindful that any such legacy income due to them is likely to take months, rather than weeks, and this will need to be factored into their individual long-term financial strategy.