The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Public Guardian have opened a public consultation to gather input on how to modernise the system for making and monitoring lasting powers of attorney.
More government services are being provided digitally and during the Covid-19 pandemic digital channels provided opportunities to improve accessibility and speed of service. However, not everyone is comfortable with technology or has easy access to broadband, so it is important to ensure adequate safeguards will be put in place.
The key aims of the proposed changes are to:
- increase safeguards, especially for the individual;
- improve the process of making and registering an LPA for all parties; and
- achieve sustainability for the Office of the Public Guardian while keeping LPAs as affordable as possible.
The consultation closes on 13 October 2021. Click here to view the consultation and you can share your views via the online survey.
What is a lasting power of attorney?
The lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that helps people plan for their future. It is the only safe way of ensuring that a family member or other trusted person will be able to manage your affairs on your behalf in the event of an incident or illness which results in you being unable to make decisions yourself.
There are two types of power:
- a property and affairs LPA, which allows your attorneys to deal with your property and finances as you specify; and
- a health and welfare LPA, which allows your attorneys to make decisions about your welfare and health care.
How we can help
For further information on creating a lasting power of attorney, please contact our private client team in Heathfield, East Sussex on 01435 890 101 or email info@hugheslaw.co.uk.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since the date this article was published.