A hike in the rate of interest on late payments on inheritance tax is not particularly surprising.
That is the opinion of Alex Pegley, director of independent financial adviser Calculis, who stated that it is a way of recouping money for the government that "shouldn't ruffle any feathers".
"It may only have a small impact, but it all helps at the minute as far as the government's huge current budget deficit is concerned," he said, adding that the amount taken will only represent a tiny increase to state tax.
His comments come after HM Revenue & Customs revealed last week that bereaved families will be required to pay 3% interest on late payments of inheritance tax as of next month.
Payments are to be due within half a year of a family death, with the interest rate having previously stood at zero since March.
Inheritance tax is paid on all assets bequeathed worth over £325,000 at a rate of 40%.
Interest rate increase on inheritance tax is 'no surprise'
