Inherited tax bracket

When we bought our house in 1973 we could afford the mortgage; there seemed no likelihood of getting into the wealth bracket that would involve inheritance tax; rates were reasonable; there was a progressive income tax that funded the country's social needs, and as we worked in education, we were never going to be in the top tax bracket, either.

Now as pensioners we have been pushed by rising house prices into a situation where we are liable for inheritance tax. More to the point, we are likely to face a substantial rise in council tax. We cannot realise the "wealth", which your leader (August 20) says we have gained without effort, to meet the likely bills; the cost of moving to another suitable property is prohibitive (in any case, we wish to stay here). Is this yet another instance of the children of the 30s and 40s, who believed debt is not to be encouraged, being asked to pay the debts of the current generation? Like New Labour, you seem reluctant to propose a return to a system where those who could most afford to pay tax are asked to do so.
John and Beatrice Rogers
Leeds

Changes to inheritance tax would be welcomed, but until the administration of this tax is brought out of the 19th century, neither the calculation of the amount due nor the expenditure of the sum collected is relevant.

Due to my brother's death, I have had some dealings with the Inland Revenue department responsible for inheritance tax. I cannot exaggerate the officious and, frankly, offensive nature of the staff I had to correspond with. This department appears to have learned nothing of customer service, let alone sympathy for the bereaved.

In practical terms, the need to pay a large percentage of the estimated estate before Inland Revenue permission is provided to grant probate is the greatest trap. Until the money is paid, the executor cannot sell the deceased's home (in most cases, most of the value of the estate) and so bank loans are the only way of bridging the gap. This is expensive and time-consuming at an already emotionally overwrought time.
Alastair Somerville
Wolverhampton

Your support for inheritance tax is disappointing. In an earlier leader (December 7 2002) you correctly noted that inheritance tax is a heterosexist tax. While widows and widowers are thankfully exempt, it is pernicious for lesbians and gay men to be slung out of their homes after the death of a partner - as it would be for relatives sharing a property.
Harry Phibbs
London