We may finally be one step closer to digitalising LPAs. On Thursday 14 September 2023, the Powers of Attorney bill passed without amendment and is now waiting its royal assent.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 will be amended as part of this Bill and will allow the Office of the Public Guardian to improve the paper application process, in addition to enabling them to introduce a new digital process.
This will make the process for making and registering LPAs much easier and will also allow certified copies to be obtained. The Bill will also introduce an identification process as part of registering the LPA, which is currently non-existent. It will also allow for more third parties to object to the LPA.
There is currently no timescale on when the Bill will come into force, but the changes are long awaited and will offer more protection for the Donor against abuse.
