77% of over-55s want influence on inheritance spending, poll finds

More than three-quarters of over-55s want to have some control over how the next generation spends their inheritance, a survey has found.

Some 77% of people in this age group would like to have an influence over how their legacy is spent, according to Prudential.

About a third (30%) do not want their wealth to be "squandered" by their children while one in four (26%) are concerned that a spouse of their child could end up getting a portion of their inheritance pot in the event of a divorce.

One in eight (12%) parents surveyed want to specify what their legacy is used for and a similar number (13%) have already sought, or intend to seek, financial and legal advice to help ensure that their legacy is used wisely.

Les Cameron, a tax expert at Prudential, said: "With two in five marriages ending in divorce, it is easy to understand why the problem of keeping wealth within their family is a growing concern for the Bank of Mum and Dad when they're planning to leave money to children and grandchildren."

More than 600 people aged over 55 took part in the survey.