The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation on the provision of a new secure online service for dealing with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).
LPAs replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) in 2007, following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Act made provision for people to choose not only someone to manage their finances and property but also to make health and welfare decisions on their behalf should they become incapable of doing so for themselves.
Under the proposed digital system, those applying to set up a LPA will do so online. In addition, measures to improve the quality of the services offered by the Office of the Public Guardian are planned in order to speed up the process for those applying to register LPAs and EPAs.
The Public Guardian, Alan Eccles, said, “More and more people are now taking the important decision to apply for lasting powers of attorney and we want to make sure we provide the best possible service for them – one that is simple, straightforward and effective. The proposed new online application process will make applying simpler and quicker, while the changes we plan to make in the ‘back-office’ will make the whole service more efficient.”
The proposals also include a range of options relating to accessing the registers for EPAs, LPAs and Court of Protection appointed deputies online.
The consultation paper can be found here. Consultation closes on 19 October 2012.