Farron slams 'Tory death tax'

Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron has taken a swipe at the Conservative Government ahead of the introduction of what he has dubbed a “Tory death tax”. From today, new regulations introduced by the Conservative Government mean that the cost of death certificates, as well as birth and marriage certificates, is going up from £4 to £11. Citizens Advice recommends people get “several copies of the [death] certificate, for which there will be a charge.” Upon losing a loved one, people now face a charge hike of £49, on the basis that seven copies are purchased. Mr Farron accused the Conservatives of introducing these measures “by the back door” as MPs have been denied a vote on them. The former Leader of the Liberal Democrats added: “These regressive fees, charged to people just when they are grieving for loved ones, are nothing more than an insensitive death tax. “People deserve better, and the Liberal Democrats demand better. Profiteering off the back of people losing loved ones should bring shame on those who call themselves 'compassionate conservatives."