Government Increases LPA Fee by 12% to £92
The Government is set to raise the fee for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) by 12%, from £82 to £92, starting 17 November. This inflation-busting increase is to cover rising operational costs, including staff and technology expenses, which outpace the current inflation rate of 3.6%.
LPAs allow individuals aged 18 and over, with the mental capacity to do so, to appoint trusted family members or friends as their attorney. These attorneys can manage their affairs, covering money and health, if they fall ill and can't do so themselves. There are two types of LPA, one for property and financial affairs and one for health and care decisions.
Without an LPA, families may face a complex court process, known as deputyship, to gain control of an ailing loved one's finances. This process incurs high fees and can be lengthy. The fee for registering an LPA is waived or halved for those on certain benefits or with an income below £12,000 a year.
The fee increase reflects the actual costs of processing and safeguarding LPAs, ensuring the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) can continue to provide this vital service. The Government encourages people to plan ahead and register an LPA, as it allows loved ones to take control of their affairs when they can no longer do so themselves. More information is available on the Government's website.
