FAMILIES in Wales are more likely than those anywhere else in the UK to have witnessed arguments over inheritance, according to new research.

A YouGov survey commissioned by wealth management firm Mattioli Woods found that 77 per cent of over-55s in Wales had seen inheritance-related disputes among relatives or friends.

This was the highest figure recorded across the UK, ahead of London at 72 per cent, the South East at 71 per cent, the South West at 70 per cent and Scotland at 69 per cent.

Across the UK as a whole, almost two-thirds of over-55s, 64 per cent, said they had witnessed family conflict over inheritance.

Arguments and damaged relationships were the most frequently reported consequences, although some disagreements had escalated into formal legal disputes.

Despite the prevalence of family conflict, most people still intend to pass on their wealth through a traditional inheritance after death rather than giving away the majority of their assets during their lifetime.

The second most popular approach was a combination of lifetime gifts and inheritance, while only a minority planned to transfer most of their wealth before they died.

The survey also found that many families continue to avoid talking openly about inheritance.

One in four over-55s said they had never discussed the subject with their family, with privacy concerns, discomfort and a belief that it was too early to begin planning among the reasons given.

Concerns about the cost of later-life care were found to outweigh worries about Inheritance Tax.

When asked about the greatest challenges involved in passing on wealth, respondents placed paying for care and other later-life costs ahead of taxation, running out of money in retirement, treating beneficiaries fairly and the risk of family disputes.

Adeline Christy, Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, said: “Although inheritance disputes are remarkably common, they are not fundamentally changing how most people want to pass on their wealth.

“Leaving assets through an estate remains the preferred approach for many families, even among those who have seen first-hand the tensions inheritance can create.

“What the findings do highlight is the need for earlier planning and better communication.

“Many inheritance disputes arise not because of the value of an estate, but because expectations have never been discussed.

“Open conversations, supported by professional financial advice, can help families understand the reasoning behind decisions and significantly reduce the likelihood of conflict later on.”

Ms Christy said there was no single correct way for families to pass on their wealth.

She added: “Lifetime gifting can be an effective strategy for some families, helping to support the next generation while potentially improving tax efficiency.

“For others, retaining control of assets throughout later life will be entirely appropriate.

“The most important thing is that any approach forms part of a long-term financial plan that reflects personal circumstances, family dynamics and future objectives.”

The research was carried out by YouGov among 2,174 UK adults on June 1 and 2, 2026.

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays following a landslide on the coastal road between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were aware of the obstruction and advised drivers to use alternative routes where possible.

Anyone who cannot avoid the area is being urged to allow extra time for their journey and to remain patient while the incident is dealt with.

The road is particularly busy during the summer season, providing a popular coastal link between Saundersfoot, Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge.

It is not yet known how much material has fallen onto the road or when the route is expected to be fully cleared.

Police confirmed that a landslide was causing delays on the road between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge at 2.15pm on July 12. Drivers were asked to remain patient and avoid the area where possible.

This is a developing incident and further updates will be published as they become available.

POLICE have warned that Tenby’s Summer Spectacular has become “a disaster waiting to happen”, amid concerns about overcrowding, crowd surges and restricted access for emergency services.

A decision on the future of the event’s premises licence is expected within days after Dyfed-Powys Police asked Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee to revoke the existing licence, arguing that it is no longer fit for purpose.

The two harbour-based spectaculars planned for August have already been provisionally cancelled by organisers Tenby Round Table following difficulties agreeing crowd-control arrangements with the council.

The annual events, which feature food, drink, live music and a popular fireworks display, have been a highlight of Tenby’s summer calendar for many years.

However, police told the licensing hearing that the event had grown beyond what could safely be accommodated at its current location.

A police representative said the harbour area should have a maximum capacity of around 1,600 people, but estimated crowds of approximately 3,000 had attended previous events.

The committee heard concerns that overcrowding could lead to crowd surging, while the limited number of escape routes could create serious difficulties during an emergency.

Police stressed that they were not opposed to the event itself, but said it had “evolved from a family event to a large-scale drinking environment”.

Concerns were also raised by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust over emergency access, while Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service highlighted wider public safety risks.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s lead licensing officer, Geraint Griffiths, described the current arrangements as “very dangerous” and warned that any significant movement or surge within the crowd could have devastating consequences.

The premises licence covers Tenby Harbour car park and extends to the top of Penniless Cove Hill. The site includes a stage, stalls, refreshment stands and a bar selling alcoholic and soft drinks in cans.

Alcohol is currently sold under a temporary event notice rather than as a licensed activity included within the premises licence.

The open-air event is not fenced or ticketed, with visitors invited to make a voluntary donation on entry. People are also able to access the area from the harbour beach, an issue described during the hearing as one of the main obstacles to safely controlling numbers.

Tenby Round Table disputed some of the figures presented by the emergency services, saying several incidents referred to had not been directly connected to the Summer Spectacular.

Members said they had spent much of the past year trying to resolve questions surrounding access and crowd control.

A Round Table representative told the committee: “This year’s event has been cancelled. It arose from the sheer volume of people visiting Tenby, creating a question we have tried to get answered for the best part of a year.

“Without a clear answer, we couldn’t finish our licensing plan and couldn’t responsibly hold our events.”

The organisers previously said negotiations with Pembrokeshire County Council’s public realm department had failed to produce a clear and workable agreement allowing temporary restrictions on pedestrian access to the harbour and beach.

Without those restrictions, they said it would not be possible to legally or safely control crowd numbers.

Committee member Cllr Mark Carter suggested the event may have become “too successful” and could have outgrown its current location.

He described unrestricted access from the nearby beach as “the elephant in the room” and said any future proposal would need to include a robust plan for controlling entry.

Tenby Round Table said moving the main event elsewhere while retaining the traditional harbour fireworks display would present significant logistical challenges.

Councillors were presented with four options, including revoking the licence or allowing it to continue with amended conditions.

Committee chairman Cllr Tim Evans said members would consider the evidence before issuing a written decision, which is expected within five working days.