Lasting Powers of Attorney (Digitisation)

Monday 1st July 2013 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mrs Helen Grant)]

In the response to the consultation “Transforming the Services of the Office of the Public Guardian”, published on 23 January 2013, the Government said that they would consult further on their proposals for changes to the process for making lasting powers of attorney. This is part of the Office of the Public Guardian’s commitment to deliver online services which maximise the benefits to customers of a simpler, clearer and faster service.

We are now considering the next phase of the OPG’s transformation programme and I am pleased to announce that the Department intends to publish a consultation paper shortly containing high-level proposals about how a fully digital process for creating and registering lasting powers of attorney might be achieved. Our intention is to make a final decision in 2014 on whether legislation to enable the making of a fully digital lasting power of attorney should be made.

As we develop these proposals further, the Department will engage with a range of interested organisations to ensure we address any concerns.