From 17 November 2025, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) will increase the application fee for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) from £82 to £92, subject to parliamentary approval. The fee for repeat applications will also rise from £41 to £46.

This change is part of the Ministry of Justice’s effort to ensure that LPA fees more accurately reflect the cost of delivering the service, in line with HM Treasury guidance on public money management.

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Why This Matters

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LPAs are essential legal tools that allow individuals to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf if they lose capacity. They cover two key areas:

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• Property and Financial Affairs

• Health and Welfare

 

With the fee increase looming, families considering LPAs may want to act sooner rather than later to avoid the higher cost.

 

What Should Clients Know

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• Timing is key: Applications received by the OPG before 17 November 2025 will be charged at the current rate of £82

• Exemptions and remissions remain: Clients on low incomes or certain benefits may still qualify for a reduced fee or full exemption

• Backlog cleared: The OPG has now resolved its registration backlog, with most LPAs processed within 40 days—a welcome improvement for those planning ahead

 

When Attorneys Live Abroad: Why Time Is of the Essence

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If one or more attorneys live overseas, the logistics of signing and returning documents can introduce significant delays. Wet-ink signatures are still required, and international postage, time zone differences, and local legal requirements (such as witnessing rules) can complicate matters.

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What This Means for Advisers and Families

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For solicitors, care home managers, and families supporting vulnerable individuals, this fee increase is a timely reminder to revisit conversations about future planning. LPAs offer peace of mind, legal clarity, and protection—but they’re often left too late.

If you're working with clients who may benefit from an LPA, now is the moment to encourage action. The £10 increase may seem modest, but for those registering multiple LPAs or facing financial constraints, it adds up. More importantly, the time-sensitive nature of the process—especially when attorneys are overseas—makes early engagement essential.