Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to make it easier for parents of young people with learning difficulties to apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship.

The Government is committed to addressing barriers to provide better support to all individuals who lack mental capacity.

For example, the Court of Protection has reviewed its application processes, and at the beginning of the year launched a new, simpler online system which has reduced wating times from 24 weeks to 8 weeks following the results of a successful pilot. We have also recently published new guidance for families on how to make financial decisions on behalf of a young person who lacks mental capacity, which includes a guide to the Court of Protection application process. Families may also now be eligible for a fee remission for their applications, even after their child has turned 18.

We will continue to review and revise the process and the court will continue to identify areas for improvement.