LEGACY
Pass on your liberal inheritance
I've had
a will for years and been committed to liberal values since I was a teenager.
But I never got round to including a donation. Silly when you think about it.
I've spent more years than I'd like to count working for a liberal society, from
writing leaflets to winning election campaigns. You'd think by now I would have
done this one simple thing to preserve and pass on my ideals to the next
generation.
Now I've done it. Changed my will and made my donation. I
used the wording on this page. It was quick, painless and cheaper than I'd
expected. I wish I'd done it sooner. Now I hope you'll do it too.
Chris Rennard, Chief Executive
Your commitment and dedication can last longer than a lifetime
A real commitment to the individual. The eradication of prejudice. Effective local decision-making. These distinctive beliefs have inspired liberals since the seventeenth century. Like a beacon from the past, this philosophy shines on the present and lights up our future. It is our unique inheritance.
Our steady progress is a tribute to our shared commitment. All those late nights and early mornings. All the streets we have pounded. All the envelopes we've stuffed. This drive and dedication has made us what we are today: the largest third party since the 1920s, with power and influence at local, national and international level.
You can enhance your liberal inheritance by making a donation to the Liberal Democrats in your will. For an action that brings such lasting value, it’s surprisingly easy.
Changing your will helps change society and it’s a whole lot easier to do
A member of the Liberal Democrats died recently. He hadn't
made a will, and had no partners or relatives, so the monarchy got the
lot.
It's a lesson to all of us about the importance of making a will and keeping it up to date. Otherwise the monarchy or the government get the lot. And gifts to political parties are free of inheritance tax – so the Chancellor doesn't get that either. (Click here for the Inland Revenue's official guidance).
Most people who make a first will or update an existing one find it useful to consult a solicitor. We can help with names of Liberal Democrat solicitors.
You can use wording like this to explain the gift you wish to leave:
I give to the Liberal Democrats (Trustees) Limited [Either] the sum of £_________free from all taxes and duties payable on my death [Or] all [or the share you wish to give, e.g. one third] of the residue of my estate and I direct that the receipt of any Director or the Secretary of that company shall be a full and sufficient discharge of such a gift.
It sounds very legalistic, but lawyers are particular about words. If you do leave a donation to the Liberal Democrats please let us know - by telephone on 020 7340 4927, by email at legacies@libdems.org.uk, or write to The Legacy Officer, Liberal Democrats, 4 Cowley Street, London SW1P 3NB. If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us - we would be delighted to hear from you.
Don't let your inheritance go to waste
A member of the Liberal Democrats died suddenly. He had no partner and had not made a will. The probate office contacted his neighbour to see if the man had any relatives. He had not. However, he did have three great passions: his church, the school where he taught and the Liberal Democrats.
His modest house sold for £180,000. There was no tax liability so the monarchy inherited the lot. If only his church, school and Party could have shared the proceeds. It would have been a much better tribute to his life and to the people he had served so well for so long.
If you don't make a will, the law will decide who gets your possessions. Your personal passions and commitments count for nothing. It could also take years before your estate is distributed. Similar problems can occur when wills are out of date.
You can help the party get even more MPs elected in future by including a donation in your will.
