A 12-week consultation was launched on Tuesday (20/07/21) to examine the process of creating and registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). The number of LPAs has increased drastically in recent years to more than five million, as more people, often elderly, are turning to loved ones to help them run their finances and affairs.
But the process of setting one up retains many paper-based features that are over 30 years old and the consultation will look at how we can improve access to the service, speed up the time it takes to obtain an LPA and how technology can be used to reform the process of witnessing. The consultation will propose widening the Office of the Public Guardian’s legal powers to check identities and stop or delay any registrations that raise concern. It will also look at making the process for objecting to the registration of an LPA simpler to help stop potentially abusive LPAs. While the service will become predominantly digital, alternatives such as paper will remain for those unable to use the internet.
Welcoming the review Central Devon MP Mel Stride said:
“LPAs are used by millions of people. They help to care for some of the most vulnerable in our society – those who need help in making decisions about their health, welfare and finances. Making the system quicker, simpler and ensuring that robust safeguards are in place is a big step forward.”
The consultation runs for the next 12 weeks until 13 October. Links to the proposals and to respond to the consultation are available at www.melstridemp.com/lpa.