Lasting power of attorney goes digital with new faster and safer online system

A new online system will make setting up power of attorney quicker, easier and safer, and bring the process in line with other government services like applying for a divorce.

Lasting power of attorney is a legal failsafe that allows people to appoint someone they trust, usually a family member or friend, to take control of their affairs if they fall ill.

Under the proposals people will be able to apply for LPA completely online for the first time. 

The Ministry of Justice has said the online system includes increased protection for vulnerable people from abuse and fraud.

The Ministry of Justice has said the paper-based system will remain in place enabling people to choose whichever option works best for them

The plans, which have been released following a consultation launched last year on modernising the system, include a new system for identification checks. 

These require official documents such as passport or driving licence to be verified as part of a stronger and safer process to prevent abuse.

When the consultation was first announced last July, experts welcomed the potential move to digital but warned that a new system could lead to more people being targeted for fraud or coercion, and that some elderly do not have access to a computer or the internet.

The Ministry of Justice has now confirmed that the paper-based system will continue to operate and people can choose which they prefer based on their needs.

Tom Pursglove MP, Justice Minister, said: ‘A lasting power of attorney provides comfort and reassurance to millions of people that decisions will be made in their best interests should they lose capacity.

‘Our reforms will make the system easier to access, simpler and even more secure from fraud. 

‘This forms part of our plans to harness technology across government and provide better services to the public.’

When developing the proposals, the Ministry of Justice said it engaged with organisations working for communities impacted by the LPA system including Age UK, the Law Society, and the National Mental Capacity Forum, to ensure that the changes are effective and the system remains accessible.

The number of registered LPAs has increased drastically in recent years to more than six million. 

It is expected that the new system will increase the speed of the process and cut waiting times by identifying and fixing errors early on in applications.

In addition to the new plans, the Government is looking at how the digital system could improve and simplify the process of witnessing within LPA applications.

Stuart Howard, interim public guardian for England and Wales, said: ‘LPAs are vital in helping people plan for the future and stay in control of their decisions.

‘These reforms will enable us to modernise the process – ensuring our service is fit for the future, safe and simple to use, and can be accessed online.’

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk