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Lasting Power of Attorney - why so expensive and why isn't everyone nudged to do one?

151 replies

housemonkey · 03/12/2025 10:47

My parents have been filling in their LPAs, which are inherently useful and mean that it's clearly set out what they want done in case of serious illness. In their case, they don't want anything at all.
https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/make-lasting-power
But why on earth is it such a ball ache and why on earth does it cost £92??
If my grandmother had filled one of these out, it would have saved the NHS literally hundreds of thousands of pounds for an utterly joyless extra month in her nineties that she didn't want.
But these forms are complicated (they're on it and organised, but have struggled) and not everyone has £92 lying around! Why aren't they readily available (and you could just be referred by eg your GP if it was something you were interested in?). It's crazy! I totally understand that not everyone would want one (and that's obviously fine), but if you are, it should be straightforward and free.

Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney

How to make a lasting power of attorney (LPA): starting an application online, choosing an attorney, certifying a copy, changing an LPA.

https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/make-lasting-power

OP posts:
Titasaducksarse · 03/12/2025 10:49

If you're on certain benefits you don't pay. I sorted my Mum's and as she's on pension credit she didn't pay.
My 80 year old MIL did hers and FIL and didn't find the forms overly complicated as the guidance is very clear.