More than two million Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) have now been added to the UK government's “Use an LPA” online service, a major step forward in making it easier for people to manage the legal affairs of loved ones who can no longer do so themselves.
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) launched the digital service in July 2020, allowing individuals and organisations to access LPA information securely and instantly online. This marked a significant shift from the traditional reliance on paper-based certified copies, which could delay processes for weeks and cause frustration for both attorneys and institutions.
The service enables users to create a secure account, link it to their registered LPA, and generate digital access codes. These can be shared with banks, healthcare providers, or other relevant bodies to prove the attorney's authority, streamlining verification and helping avoid the delay of posting lengthy physical documents.
Donna Eland, Head of Private Client at Rowlinsons Solicitors, commented:
“The OPG launched Use an LPA in 2020 initially for LPAs registered that year, however it has been gradually opened up and currently donors and attorneys with LPAs registered on or after 1 January 2016 can use the service.
People who registered an LPA before 2020 will never have had the details of the Use an LPA service or activation code to set up an account, so they often don’t know about the service.
Once you register to it’s easy to use. I’ve had instances where I have been able to generate a code and give it to a bank whilst on the phone to them so they can see the LPA details immediately.”
The Use an LPA service is available via the GOV.UK website. With over two million LPAs now on the system, and growing awareness of the service’s speed and simplicity, many legal professionals and families are calling for the OPG to extend digital access to even older LPAs—helping make a difficult process just a little easier for everyone involved.
For advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney and planning for the future please call 01928 735333.