MORECROFTS’ associate solicitor, Helen Robins, is urging people to check their eligibility for a lasting power of attorney (LPA) fee refund, after almost two million people were overcharged by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) between 2013 and 2017.
Claimants can expect to receive a refund of up to £54, with any accrued interested since the registration was made.
So far, only 200,000 of the 1.8million people owed have claimed their refund, meaning that there’s £77million still owed to customers.
An LPA is an important document that gives a loved one the power to make decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so.
There are two types of LPA: a health and welfare LPA, and a property and financial affairs LPA.
Recent research from Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) found that there are only 7% of LPAs in place across the UK, meaning that millions of people are currently unprepared for later life. SFE urges anyone planning for their future to consider setting up an LPA and seek advice from a specialist lawyer.
Helen, who specialises in Private Client Law at the firm, said: “It takes about ten minutes to claim online. You’ll need the donor’s bank details and a copy of the LPA, if you have it.”
To apply for a refund visit: http://gov.uk/power-of-attorney-refund
The exact amount will depend on when the registration was made, and claims must be made by 1st February 2021.
If you need help or more information about making a claim, there’s a Refunds Helpline you can contact, either via telephone on 0300 456 0300 or email poarefunds@justice.gsi.gov.uk.