Update on Lasting Power of Attorney processing

2010 has seen applications to register Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) rise to record levels. To illustrate: in the first three months of 2010 we received nearly 55,000 applications - twice as many as in the same period in 2009. Our projections indicate that this rate of application will be sustained into the summer. As a result the registration process is taking longer than normal: around 14 weeks from receipt to registration.

We have already taken on additional staff to deal with the extra work and have established a new evening shift in our Birmingham office but inevitably it will take a little time for us to clear the backlog.

We apologise for the extra length of time you will have to wait before receiving your registered LPA from us but please be assured we are doing all we can to return to normal service as soon as possible.

STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN