Lasting power of attorney: why it's worth sorting before you need it
Record numbers of people are making a lasting power of attorney. What it lets your family do, what it costs in 2026, how long registration takes and the mistakes to avoid.
Many families only think about a lasting power of attorney (LPA) when they suddenly need one, for example to speak to the bank or pay bills for a parent who is in hospital. By then it can be too late to make one.
What an LPA is
An LPA lets someone (the "donor") appoint one or more people they trust as attorneys to help make decisions, or make decisions for them (GOV.UK). There are two types:
- Property and financial affairs: for things like bank accounts, bills and benefits. It can be used once registered, with the donor's permission.
- Health and welfare: for things like daily routine, medical care and moving into a care home. It can only be used when the donor can't make their own decisions.
The donor must be 18 or over and able to make their own decisions when they make the LPA. An LPA works in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems (GOV.UK).
Demand is at a record high
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) received 1,589,500 power of attorney applications in 2025/26, its highest ever, and passed 10 million powers of attorney on the register in October 2025 (OPG annual report, 15 July 2026). Even so, the average time to register and dispatch an LPA fell to 45 working days, from 49 the year before.
What this means for you
- Talk about it early, while your relative can make and sign the LPA themselves.
- Budget for the fee. Registering costs £92 per LPA, or £184 for both types. There is a reduction if the donor earns less than £12,000, and an exemption on some benefits (GOV.UK).
- Allow 8 to 10 weeks for registration if there are no mistakes (GOV.UK). An LPA can't be used until it is registered.
- Avoid mistakes. The online service fills in some forms for you. Some mistakes can be corrected, and you may be able to apply again within 3 months for £46 (GOV.UK).
- Keep copies safe and tell the bank, GP practice and others once it is registered.
- Ask for help from OPG on 0300 456 0300, or a solicitor if the situation is complex.
If you're worried about their health, contact their GP or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.
We're building Coming Home: Family Care, a UK iPhone app to keep the important documents, dates and contacts in one place the family can share. Join the waitlist.
Original source: OPG annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026, 15 July 2026