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Leaving a legacy
ABOUT THE CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE
Norwich & West Norfolk Citizens Advice Service
We are a charity. Help us empower others. Please consider us in your Will.
About Norwich & West Norfolk CAB
Norwich and West Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a registered charity. We are here to help local people resolve the difficulties they face in everyday life by providing them free information and advice.
In fact, you may well have used a Citizens Advice Bureau yourself, or at least know somebody who has, as 4 in every 10 households have used a bureau at some point in the UK.
Our advice is impartial, confidential and free. As a charity, we rely on the support and generosity of members of the public. People like you.
Since our establishment in 1967 we have advised people on over 5 million occasions, with the help of 2500 volunteers. For example we offer advice and assistance with problems at work; rights and services if you are a carer or disabled person; divorce and separation; dealing with debt; benefit entitlement; finances; housing rights; local services; problems in the neighbourhood; if you need to complain; unfair discrimination; problems following purchase of goods or services.
As well as advice we can offer practical help – for instance with filling out forms. We may help at courts and tribunals. We may be able to give advice in different languages. We try to influence government policies for the better.
Our advice is given professionally by fully qualified voluntary and paid staff.
The Bureau is completely independent of all other bodies.
Legacies for the future
Our advice services are more in demand today than ever before - and as we move into the future that demand looks set to grow even further. That's why legacies are so vital to our work. By adding the Bureau to your Will, you will make a permanent difference not only to us, also to your children, grandchildren and local community.
None of us can predict what problems our children and grandchildren may face in the future. We are determined to make sure that whatever problems they face they don’t have to face them alone. You can help us achieve that aim today.
How to make a Will
Can I draw up my own Will?
Yes, there are books to advise on this, published for example by the Consumers’ Association. It may be possible to use a pre-printed Will form, or to engage a Will-writing firm. You may prefer to use a solicitor however, or have a solicitor check a Will you have drawn up to ensure that the Will has the effect that you wish.
What if I already have a Will? You or your solicitor can add a Citizens Advice Bureau to your Will with a written instruction called a codicil.
Do I have enough assets?
Most people are surprised by how much their assets add up to. You don't need to be wealthy to make a Will - or leave a legacy. After taking care of your loved ones, you can then choose to leave a Residuary legacy [a portion of what is left after all your other commitments have been met] - or a Pecuniary legacy [a gift of a specific amount] to Norwich & West Norfolk CAB.
Can a gift to a charity help me pay less tax?
The money and assets left in your estate may be subject to Inheritance Tax (the rules for which can change with any Chancellor’s budget). It may be of advantage to divide your estate so that your family and friends are left gifts below the tax threshold and so do not have to pay for Inheritance Tax. The remainder can then be shared between as many charities as you choose, since charities are
exempt from paying this tax.
What else should I tell my solicitor?
Simply that you wish your legacy to go to the Bureau, quoting our details as follows:
Norwich & West Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau, St Vedast House,
5-7 St Vedast Street, Norwich NR1 1BT
Registered Charity No.1071297
How can I find out more about the Bureau?
You are welcome to get in touch with us and we will be happy to show you around the Bureau and explain in more detail our services.
Contact the Chief Executive Officer
01603 679631 or s.wiseman@ncab.org.uk
There is also further information about us on www.ncab.org.uk.
If I’ve left a gift to the bureau, should you tell us?
It is really helpful if you can let us know that you have included us in your Will – this information will always be treated in complete confidence. There’s no need to tell us the value of your gift (unless you want to); just knowing we have a source of future income helps us to plan ahead with our long-term work. We can also keep you in touch with our future developments.
What to put in your Will
If you are writing your own Will here is some wording you can use.
For a share of your estate: I give all/a share of (please state fraction/percentage) of the residue of my estate absolutely to Norwich & West Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau of St Vedast House, 5-7 St Vedast Street, Norwich NR1 1BT, Registered Charity Number 1071297, to be applied by the Bureau for its charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or any other proper officer of the Bureau for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.
For a specific item: I give to Norwich & West Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau, St Vedast House, 5-7 St Vedast Street, Norwich NR1 1BT, Registered Charity Number 1071297, absolutely, (write in here whatever you wish to give) to be applied by the Bureau for its charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or any other proper officer of the Bureau for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.
Thank you for reading this. If you would like to consider leaving a legacy to the Bureau, and would like to find out more about us, please contact Steve Wiseman, Chief Executive Officer. s.wiseman@ncab.org.uk or 01603 679631
