The Probate Service is experiencing a noteworthy improvement in its performance, reducing delays.
- Monthly grant issuance now exceeds new applications, showcasing improved service efficiency.
- Digital applications have seen substantial processing time reductions, outperforming traditional methods.
- Law Society acknowledges progress but stresses further improvements are needed.
- HMRC’s new code system has lessened inheritance tax-related stoppages significantly.
The Probate Service has been issuing more grants each month than the number of applications received for a consecutive year, indicative of improving efficiency and service performance. According to the latest statistics from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), 32,002 probate applications were processed in July 2024 alone, the highest in the past year, reflecting a significant uptick in the number of applications handled compared to the same period last year.
Digital applications have proved to be more efficient, with average processing times down to 7.5 weeks from submission to grant. In instances where applications are unstopped, this time reduces to just 3.4 weeks, presenting a stark contrast to the 18.4 weeks observed for paper applications, which reduce to 12.3 weeks when unstopped. Notably, 19% of applications processed in July 2024 were on paper, highlighting the shift towards digital solutions.
Nick Emmerson, President of the Law Society, remarked, ‘The decrease in probate delays is promising, but more should be done.’ He underlined the emotional toll delays take on grieving families, emphasising the necessity for continued improvement. The noted progress stems largely from HMCTS’s constant interaction with its probate professional user group, who have influenced the service’s enhancements through consistent feedback, a sentiment echoed by Jo Summers, a representative from STEP.
A considerable reduction in applications being stopped because of inheritance tax issues has been observed since HM Revenue & Customs implemented a coding system in January. This initiative assigns a specific code to probate applicants, verifying that the IHT400 form has been submitted and processed, freeing up personnel to expedite the issuance of grants. Going forward, HMRC will begin emailing these codes rather than using postal services, further streamlining the process.
The next priority for HMCTS is addressing the stoppages caused by unaccounted executors in applications. Concurrently, plans to increase the number of online intestacy applications for straightforward cases are underway, although international applications will remain offline with only tracking capabilities available. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander recently stated that staffing increases and system enhancements have led to record levels of probate grants over the past months, with a notable 50% reduction in open workable caseload since August 2023. Advisors dealing with cases older than 20 weeks are now able to arrange specialised consultations through a newly established contact platform.
The Probate Service continues to refine its processes, aiming for faster and more efficient outcomes.
