More than 1 million people applied for an LPA in 2023 - the highest on record

The significant increase in Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) applications in 2023 can be attributed to multiple factors. The Covid-19 pandemic likely prompted individuals to consider and organize their affairs, leading to a surge in LPA applications. Additionally, the earlier diagnosis of dementia may have contributed to the spike, as healthcare professionals increasingly advise their patients to establish LPAs. Furthermore, the accessibility of completing a substantial portion of the LPA process online has made it more convenient for individuals to initiate the process without necessarily engaging a solicitor/ estate planner although there are nuances that that the online process doesn’t cater for so it always wise to engage a professional. . These factors seem to have collectively have driven the substantial rise in LPA applications in 2023

It is truly staggering that there were 37% more Lasting Power of Attorney drawn up in 2023 than the previous year - 1.1 million people feeling the need for these does demonstrate a big change in the population's feelings. I feel it can only be the fact that the Covid Lockdowns have caused significant disruption to family matters, leading to the focus coming that control over a relatives money, when physical access isn't possible, is needed. The only worry that this statistic does bring to me is that families could be relying more than they should on elderly members finances, one would hope that the sudden increased public need for an LPA arrangement is bonafide and not sinister.

At mypowerofattorney.co.uk i have seen the number of people applying for both LPA for Finance and Health increase year on year since the pandemic. I have no doubt that the pandemic has prompted people’s minds to address their mortality and mental state. More and more people are getting dementia and more people crucially are losing capacity.

The government digital Use an LPA service has helped but also the increase in knowledge and education has also helped. I am the founder of MyPowerofAttorney.co.uk and I set this up to help others navigate this very difficult area.