Wedlake Bell Insights

    • In Trust
    • Jan 15, 2026

    In Trust – January 2026

    2026 begins with renewed momentum: fresh starts, evolving rules for wealth and estate planning, and a lively political backdrop. After a year of significant change in terms of tax policy and regulatory frameworks, we hope that 2026 brings greater certainty,

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    • In Trust
    • Jan 13, 2026

    New year, new rules: key tax planning opportunities for the year ahead

    Make use of available agricultural or business inheritance tax reliefs Currently, qualifying agricultural or business assets can receive up to 100% relief from IHT under agricultural property relief (APR) or business property relief (BPR) as applicable. From 6 April 2026

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    • In Trust
    • Jan 8, 2026

    Bone of contention

    Despite them feeling like one of the family, under English law, pets are legally classified as chattels i.e. they are deemed items of property. In the eyes of the law, your beloved dog or cat is therefore treated much like

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    • Insights
    • Dec 16, 2025

    Avoiding festive friction: how to plan care arrangements for children

    Common issues parents face when planning care arrangements over Christmas Some of the predicaments we see are: How is Christmas defined, for example is it just the day itself, or does it encompass Christmas Eve and/or Boxing Day? Who will

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    • Globally Speaking
    • Dec 11, 2025

    Globally Speaking – UK Budget Update

    The UK Budget delivered on 26 November 2025 introduced a series of targeted measures for internationally mobile, UK‑connected individuals and families with cross‑border wealth, but do not represent the sweeping tax reforms that had been predicted. The Budget is arguably

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    • In Trust
    • Dec 3, 2025

    Trust compliance update: new HMRC mandatory registration rules

    Amendments made to the International Tax Compliance Regulations 2025 have resulted in a new mandatory registration requirement for trusts that are defined as “financial institutions” (FI) or “trustee-documented trusts” (TDT) for international tax information exchange purposes, with existing affected trusts

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    • In Trust
    • Dec 3, 2025

    Budget 2025: Chancellor announces transferability of agricultural property relief and business property relief

    The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, used her highly anticipated Budget on 26 November 2025 to announce that the £1 million allowance for agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) will be transferable between spouses and civil partners with effect

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    • In Trust
    • Nov 26, 2025

    Budget 2025: an end to the speculation

    While perhaps not as bad as was feared, the announcements confirmed today, from the “high value council tax surcharge” to income tax rate hikes for property, dividend and savings income, will shape decisions for families, trustees, and investors over the

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