Inheritance and Trustees' Powers Bill

Monday 2nd September 2013 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mrs Helen Grant)]

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Lord McNally, made the following written ministerial statement:

The Government are today—Tuesday 30 July 2013—publishing its response to the consultation on the Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Bill.

The consultation paper sought the views of respondents on proposed reforms concerning intestacy and family provision. Respondents were asked for comments on the draft Bill and the explanatory notes, for views in relation to an additional ground of jurisdiction for family provision claims, and views on the impact assessment.

The overall response was supportive of the proposed reforms and did not raise any significant doubts about the accuracy of the impact assessment. Differing views were expressed over the proposed additional ground of jurisdiction and this issue is dealt with in detail in our response. Although the Government have not accepted the additional ground of jurisdiction that attracted the most support among consultees the Government have robust reasons for reaching the decision they have and these are detailed in the response.

The Bill itself was today introduced into the House of Lords under the special House of Lords procedure for non-controversial Law Commission Bills.