Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Lasting Power of Attorney Agreements

Tuesday 26 March 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Fabian Hamilton raised concerns about the abuse of LPAs targeting elderly individuals.
  • The Minister agreed to review the current measures for medical assessments before activating LPAs.
  • The Minister mentioned a four-week waiting period for LPA applications to allow objections and reports of abuse to be investigated.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Social Care Standards & Ethics
Context

There are more than 6 million LPAs in Britain, and numerous reports of abusers targeting elderly individuals. The MP received many harrowing stories from constituents about the misuse of LPAs.

Question

More than 6 million people have LPAs in Britain. I am receiving many harrowing stories from across the country where abusers target elderly individuals and steal their estates. Will the Minister ensure a proper medical assessment is carried out before an LPA is activated, and that digitisation of LPAs does not result in families losing loved ones' estates to unscrupulous abusers?

Answer from Mike Freer

The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, and I am more than happy to take that away and write to him about the steps we take to ensure that level of check is in place. People can use the 'use a lasting power of attorney' service on gov.uk to see where LPAs have been issued.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Medical assessment requirement before LPA activation

How: Take That Away And Write

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Q2 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Standards & Ethics
Context

When an LPA application is submitted, there is a statutory four-week waiting period before the LPA can be registered.

Question

What steps are being taken to prevent potential abuse of LPAs?

Answer from Mike Freer

When an LPA application is submitted, there is a statutory four-week waiting period during which objections can be lodged. Any concerns about attorney abuse are reported to the Office of the Public Guardian for investigation. Identity verification processes will strengthen the system following the passage of the Powers of Attorney Act 2023.

Answered
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