STOP PRESS: From 6 April 2017, the Insolvency Rules 1986, SI 1986/1925 were revoked and replaced by the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 (IR 2016), SI 2016/1024. The content in this Q&A may have been affected by this change. The general function and role of the trustee in bankruptcy is to get in, realise and distribute the bankruptcy estate in accordance with sections 305–335 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (IA 1986) and IA 1986, Sch 5. The powers include the power to deal with property vested in the bankruptcy estate. The trustee is given a great deal of discretion when carrying out his functions and complying with his duties and the court will not interfere with the