Digitalisation Of The LPA Process

The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 looks at modernising and simplifying the process for registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

Currently, you can begin to complete the forms using the online service but this then still needs to be printed, signed in the correct order and posted to the Office of the Public Guardian.

During 2024, 1.37 million applications were made to register Powers of Attorney. As they are all received in paper form it is taking around 20 weeks for these to be registered.

The new streamlined process intended would mean everyone would sign the LPAs online, so no wet ink signatures are required.

What benefits will there be to this?

• No risk of the documents being lost in the post, either at the point of Attorneys signing or when sent for registration
• Errors can be recognised sooner during the application stage and any picked up after submission would be rectified online – therefore causing less delays with postal correspondence back and forth
• LPAs could be registered in 2 weeks as opposed to the current 20 week timescale
• There will be additional fraud protections in place with the way ID is provided, currently there is no ID requirement if doing this yourself
• A better process for objecting to the registration will be introduced
• You would receive a digital copy of the LPA

On the Government website it says:

“the system will be quicker, easier to access and more secure for the thousands of people who make and rely on a lasting power of attorney every year”

What if you cannot use the online process?

An improved paper process will still be available for those who are not able to access the internet or would struggle to do so.

What does this mean for now for LPAs?

At the moment, there has been no changes to the way LPAs are applied for and there is no indication of when this new online process will be brought into use. Presently, it is being developed and extensive testing will need to be carried out before it can be live.

Please get in touch on 0800 088 6004 if you would like advice or assistance with applying for a Power of Attorney. At Wilson Browne we regularly help clients with putting these documents in place and can guide you through the process ensuring everything is done correctly and exactly as per your wishes.