The Ministry of Justice has announced that the application fee for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) will increase from £82 to £92 per document, effective from 17 November 2025. This change, which is subject to parliamentary approval, aims to ensure that the income from LPA applications better meets the cost of delivering services provided by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

For anyone who has been considering putting an LPA in place, this fee increase serves as a strong reminder to act sooner rather than later. By completing the application process now, you can secure the current, lower fee and avoid the additional cost.

What is an LPA and why is it so important?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a vital legal document that allows you to appoint a person or people you trust (known as attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the mental capacity to do so yourself. This could be due to illness, accident, or old age.

There are two types of LPAs:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA: This gives your attorneys the authority to manage your finances, including things like paying bills, managing bank accounts, and selling property.

• Health and Welfare LPA: This allows your attorneys to make decisions about your daily routine, medical care, and where you live

Having both LPAs in place provides comprehensive peace of mind, knowing that both your financial and personal well-being will be handled by people you trust, according to your wishes.

Why you should act now

Beyond the financial saving, there are several compelling reasons to get your LPA in place without delay:

• Avoid Higher Costs: If you wish to register both a Property & Financial Affairs LPA and a Health & Welfare LPA, the total cost will rise from £164 to £184 after 17 November 2025. Acting now can save you £20.

•  Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Life is unpredictable. If you lose capacity without an LPA, your family will not automatically have the legal authority to help you. They could face a long, expensive, and stressful process of applying to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy, which can take many months and cost far more than an LPA.

• Prevent Delays: The LPA application process, including registration with the OPG, takes time. By starting the process now, you can ensure your documents are prepared and submitted well before the deadline, avoiding the potential for a last-minute rush and any associated delays.

While a fee increase may seem small, it highlights a crucial opportunity to take control of your future and protect your loved ones. Don’t delay—put your Lasting Power of Attorney in place today to secure your peace of mind and avoid the upcoming increase.