Power of attorney holders can act for loved ones faster with a new online access code that proves their identity almost immediately
- Lasting power of attorney allows trusted loved ones to take over your affairs
- New digital ‘access code’ will be available to newly-registered holders first
- Holders currently use a paper process to prove their status to banks, healthcare providers and other authorities
People exercising power of attorney on behalf of loved ones can ‘nearly instantaneously’ get their credentials confirmed with banks and other institutions following the launch of an online identification tool.
A new digital ‘access code’ will be available to newly-registered holders first, but plans are under way to roll out the service to millions of others in the longer term.
Lasting power of attorney is a legal failsafe that allows trusted relatives or friends to take control of your affairs if you fall ill.
Registering while you are still healthy: Power of attorney lets loved ones step in to take control when needed
Holders currently use a paper process to prove their status to banks, healthcare providers, businesses and other organisations, but this can take weeks.
‘Documents need to be requested and confirmed between organisations and individuals, before being posted as physical copies,’ says the Office of the Public Guardian, an arm of the Ministry of Justice.
‘The new system will allow those acting as an attorney to provide a secure code, which when submitted to the online portal will nearly instantaneously confirm their status as an attorney and the power they hold – authorising them to take actions on their loved ones’ behalf.’
The number of registered LPAs has increased dramatically to four million in recent years, according to the OPG which oversees the attorney system and deals with any complaints against people holding this important power.
An aging population, greater awareness of conditions like dementia, and the trend towards people investing their pension in retirement are likely to be among factors driving the increase in people setting up power of attorney for their finances and health.
The OPG, which tested its new digital service with the Department for Work and Pensions and the UK arm of HSBC before its launch last week, has details here for LPA holders and ‘donors’ who set up power of attorney.
It says: ‘Once an LPA is registered, attorneys and donors will be sent an activation key.
‘They can create an account online at “Use a lasting power of attorney” and use the activation key to add LPAs to their account. A donor or attorney can then make an access code which they can give to organisations to view an online summary of an LPA.
‘Although attorneys and donors can register for the service, the service makes it quicker and easier for attorneys to use an LPA to support the donor.’
The OPG adds: ‘Crucially, the new tool maintains existing checks, including to confirm whether someone has the legal right to act as an attorney and the powers they may be entitled to – protecting the vulnerable and elderly from abuse of an LPA.’
Nick Goodwin, Public Guardian for England and Wales, said: ‘Our new digital service will ensure attorneys can make effective and efficient decisions when managing their loved ones’ affairs – without the delays a paper-based services can cause.’
Justice Minister Alex Chalk said: ‘This new innovative system will make a real and positive difference to people dealing with what can be an emotional and difficult process.’