This January, we had the pleasure of meeting with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) team once again. These regular updates are invaluable, keeping us informed about their ongoing initiatives and enabling us to share the latest developments with our members.
Modernisation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (MLPA)
A key topic of discussion was the Modernisation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (MLPA) project.
OPG are still working through some of the complexities of the new service design, including how this will be translated into a digital product and legislation. They continue to work closely with the MoJ to plan for testing of the new service.
OPG explained how important it is that they take the appropriate time to get the new service design right, considering the anticipated future volumes of LPA applications via the digital and paper channels.
Application Support
We discussed who will be authorised to support donors with their applications. OPG clarified that this support will not be limited solely to regulated individuals. OPG are committed to ensuring accessibility for individuals to make an LPA; restricting support to regulated individuals contradicts their aim.
Improved Application Processing Times
Another highlight was the significant improvement in application processing times. OPG reported that applications now take an average of 8–10 weeks to process, a dramatic reduction from the previous average of 20 weeks. This achievement is particularly impressive given the 36% increase in demand for LPAs from the equivalent quarter in 2023.
Raising Awareness of LPAs
As professionals, we understand the critical role LPAs play in estate planning. While many applications come from older individuals, it’s important to remember that LPAs are not just for age-related loss of capacity. OPG are working to raise awareness of LPAs among communities in England and Wales through campaigns like Your Voice. Your Decision. We at BEST are committed to supporting these efforts. Initiatives like our recent Mental Capacity Awareness Month are just one example of how we’re working to spread the word – stay tuned for more updates on this front!
Looking Ahead
We are grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with the OPG and to continue providing valuable insights and updates to our members. With so much progress underway, we look forward to sharing further developments in the near future.
