Nationwide cut Isa rates as soon as my mother died Nationwide does point out that it requires grant of probate only if the late account holder had more than £30,000 across accounts within Nationwide. This figure does not, it says, include its other brands. If the sum is lower, the money can be taken out without it. Nationwide said fixed-rate non-Isa bonds that did not mature during probate could continue to run at their existing rate while probate is sought. For all such bonds that mature during probate the funds will be transferred to an instant-access account only for probate funds that pays 1.75pc gross until the money is withdrawn. However, until my involvement, in the case of fixed-rate cash Isas the account was closed and the funds went immediately into the instant-access account. When I approached it, Nationwide acknowledged that it had not explained the situation to you clearly and you had been told different things at different times by various members of its staff. It apologised for this and offered compensation to be paid to the estate of £100. Nationwide specifically told me that other providers follow a similar policy when dealing with Isas money. I wasn't convinced and checked this out. Unknown to me you had highlighted what turned out to be the discrepancy a while back, imploring that the matter be referred higher up for a policy decision. This tactic had achieved nothing. Now I established that, on the death of an account holder, Coventry, Santander and Barclays all take the tax free wrapper off a fixed-rate cash Isa but otherwise honour the existing rate. In this way the amount paid drops from gross to net for the duration of the term. The same principle applies at National Savings & Investments (NS&I) which, although it does not have fixed-rate Isas, will simply begin to charge tax on the rate already running on the Isa. NS&I said that when someone passed away there was no moving the money into lower rates. I strongly pushed the fact to Nationwide that it was out of line on this. The upshot is that it has now, because of my involvement, agreed to pay the Isa fixed rate minus the tax charge. For example, the Isa with the longest time to run in the estate you are dealing with will pay 2.64pc net as opposed to 1.75pc gross. This will also apply for other customers caught in the same situation. For anyone where this takes the interest below 1.75pc, Nationwide assures me the 1.75pc rate will still prevail. Nationwide has also increased the rate on money from the e‑bond that matured shortly after your mother's death from 0.45pc to 1.75pc gross. This will again apply in future to others as well. You say that these significant changes will accrue additional net interest amounting to £930 over 12 months for the estate. It will be more if it takes longer to wind up the estate. This is on top of the £100 compensation. Of course, the changes will benefit other people too. Please address letters to Jessica, Your Money, The Daily Telegraph, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT.