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A legacy: a valuable gift for the future
It is always difficult to predict how many people will suffer persecution and become refugees. However, it seems that unfortunately, for the foreseeable future, thousands of people around the world will continue to find themselves forced to flee horrendous situations and unimaginable persecution.
Because of this Refugee Action wants to be able to look ahead and make sure that we can continue to support refugees and asylum seekers who are living in the UK now and in future years to come.
There are many valuable reasons why people decide to leave a legacy to Refugee Action. One of our supporters, Valerie Lane, a retired social worker and teacher from Newborough in Wales who has left a legacy to Refugee Action, told us:
“I think this government’s policy on asylum seekers has been appalling. I feel ashamed that a government can behave in this way. My life has been a charmed one and I can see the injustice of how refugees and asylum seekers are treated. Leaving a legacy is one way I can support them through the work of Refugee Action.”
Leaving a legacy to Refugee Action also has tax benefits. Your legacy will not be subject to inheritance tax, income tax or Capital Gains tax and so this can reduce the percentage of your estate that goes to the tax office.
Writing a will
It is a good idea to make a will, that way, you can make sure that your possessions, money or property can go to the people you want it to, and also any charities you may also wish to support.
Refugee Action has produced a Will-making Guide which contains some invaluable information to help make it as straight forward as possible to write or update your will.
You can request your free copy of the Guide by contacting our Fundraising Team on 020 7654 7705 or giving@refugee-action.org.uk
Although you can find a lot of useful information in our Will-making Guide, we also advise that you seek the professional advice of a solicitor when drawing up or updating your will.
How to include a legacy to Refugee Action in your will
If you decide to leave a legacy to Refugee Action, you can do it in three different ways:
A pecuniary legacy is one that specifies a set amount of money. This is simple but does not make allowances for inflation.
A residual legacy is the remains of your estate after everything else has been taken care of including other legacies, debts, taxes and expenses. It can be all or part of the residue amount that is left over.
A reversionary legacy is one that leaves everything to a descendant but reverts to the charity of your choice after their death.
Thank you for thinking about leaving a legacy to Refugee Action’s work with refugees and asylum seekers. We know that making a will is a very personal matter but it would be very helpful to us if you are able to let us know if you are planning to leave a legacy to Refugee Action.
(We are sorry but we are unable to give you any further advice on legal matters about leaving a legacy – this needs to come from an independent solicitor or other professional advisor).
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