A Tricky Inheritance

What will his inheritance be?

BBC Radio 4's Analysis: A Tricky Inheritance will be broadcast on Thursday, 1 April, 2004 at 20:30 BST.

Few human desires are stronger than the longing to leave behind an inheritance.

Rising house prices mean more and more people can do so. But is it fair that some should receive large amounts, while others receive nothing?

In this week's Analysis Frances Cairncross investigates the way we treat inherited wealth. How far should the state be involved as property passes between the generations?

Inheritance tax raises relatively little, and is avoided by those who can afford expensive accountants and lawyers.

At the same time, it is likely to affect more and more of those on middle incomes whose houses have gained so much in value. So what should the future of this tax be?

The programme hears of proposals to give all adults a "citizen's inheritance", paid for by taxing inherited property much more than now. Contributors also explore how inheritance may be affected by changing relationships between older and younger people.

The young remain financially dependent on parents and grandparents for much longer than before. At the same time rising life expectancy means older people may need more resources and care. How can the assets individuals build up be used to address all these needs?

Presenter: Frances Cairncross
Producer: Chris Bowlby
Editor: Nicola Meyrick