Registration fees reduction for Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney

We are delighted with the government’s recent decision to reduce the registration fees for Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) and Enduring Powers of Attorney (“EPAs”).

The Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”), the body responsible for registering LPAs and EPAs, confirmed that the reduction in registration fees will be of effect from 1st April 2017. The fees prior to 1st April 2017 to register a single LPA were £110, but this is now reduced to £82, with the fee for re-submitting a LPA for registration reducing from £55 to £41.

So why is this change happening? Well, the OPG have stated that because of the increasing high number of applications being made that the income generated by the registration fees now exceeds the cost of providing the service.  This demonstrates that more people are becoming aware of the importance of putting these key documents in place to protect themselves and their family against the unexpected. In particular, against an unexpected illness that is progressive or an accident that could occur during their lifetime that is life changing and results in loss of mental capacity.

A LPA is a legal document that allows you (“the donor”) to appoint trusted person(s) (“attorneys”) to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so. It provides a solution to the practical issues that arise when you are unable to make decisions yourself and gives you more control over what happens to your affairs at a time when you lack mental capacity. 

In order to create a LPA you will need to be over 18 and have mental capacity. There are two different types of LPAs that you can create at any time. Firstly, a “Property and Financial Affairs” power that allows your attorney to deal with your bank accounts, to pay the bills and buying and selling your house. Secondly, a “Heath and Welfare” power allows your attorney to make decisions on medical treatment including life sustaining treatment, where you should live and your daily routine. You can choose to make one type or both.

Before a LPA can be used it must be registered by the OPG.

If you would like more information about preparing a LPA to your individual circumstances, please contact our Team on 0117 9390 350 or email info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.