The first UK-wide Powers of Attorney Day is taking place on Wednesday 22nd April 2026, launched by Carers UK and Standard Life.
The National Day is set to raise awareness about the legal necessity of setting up a Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) and to encourage individuals to formally appoint someone to make financial and health decisions on their behalf if they lose capacity.
What is a Lasting power of Attorney?
A Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) allows you to nominate individuals you trust to make decisions on your behalf. They can be made in advance of you needing help in managing your affairs or in making decisions about your health and can take effect straight away or at some point in the future.
What types of LPAs are there?
There are two types of LPA:
- Property and Financial Affairs: This provides your chosen representative with legal authority to deal with and manage your financial affairs, when the need arises. It could be useful if you are going abroad or become physical or mentally incapacitated or simply want someone to manage your affairs. This can include things such as claiming pensions or operating bank accounts and generally dealing with third parties on your behalf.
- Health and Welfare: This allows your chosen representative to make decisions regarding your personal welfare including any medical treatment that you may need. It can only be used by your chosen representative when it is deemed that you are unable to make decisions yourself.
Why is a Lasting Power of Attorney Important?
An LPA is important because it legally authorises trusted individuals to manage your health, welfare and finances if you lose capacity.
It ensures your wishes are followed, prevents costly interventions by the Court of Protection and providers peace of mind.
If you have any questions or wish to nominate your Lasting Power of Attorney, please contact our Wills & Probate team on 01952 272222 or wills&probate@martinkaye.co.uk
