Will writer backs calls for tighter regulation

AN Edinburgh will writer has backed calls for tighter regulation of the industry following a television exposé which revealed people are losing thousands of pounds to charlatans.

Monday's Panorama programme uncovered cases where initial will-writing fees of 75-100 escalated to thousands of pounds.

Ian Petrie, from Morningside-based Wills and Trusts Scotland, said: "As with most documentaries of this type the programme sought to suggest there is a major problem within the will writing industry by showcasing half a dozen cases, only one of which was proven to be a fraudulent case.

"The reality is that the Society of Will Writers alone has 2000 members who write some 200,000 wills a year with hardly a problem.

"We work in an unregulated market not through choice but because successive governments have deemed it unnecessary to bring in regulation. However, the SWW would support regulation."

The Scottish Government is however currently bringing forward measures to tackle the problem, and Mr Petrie called on Westminster to follow suit.

But he added: "The simple truth, though, is that no amount of legislation will eliminate fraudulent behaviour in any industry.

"What the programme should have highlighted was that people need to read and understand the terms and conditions of the literature and don't sign until they are fully satisfied."