Why Are LPA Registrations Increasing and Is the System Coping?

12th August 2025

Updated: Thursday 15th January 2026

Why are LPA registrations increasing and is the system coping? Lasting Power of Attorney applications in England and Wales continue to rise at a record speed. Registrations have more than doubled in four years, so understanding what is driving the surge, how the Office of the Public Guardian is responding and whether delays are becoming more likely is front of mind for more people than ever. Knowing where you stand with all this should help applicants make informed decisions and avoid unexpected problems.

Why are more people looking at registering a Lasting Power of Attorney?

There are several factors at play in driving the rise of LPA registrations. Awareness is undoubtedly growing about the risks families face when capacity is lost and no legal authority exists. Part of that is understanding your next of kin can’t just automatically step in to make decisions.

As an ageing population lives longer, there is naturally a greater focus on planning for later life. All our experience in the pandemic further accelerated this awareness, prompting families to prepare for unexpected illness or incapacity earlier in life.

Online platforms like Power of Attorney Online have made LPAs more accessible, affordable and easier to understand aswell by removing some of the barriers that previously stopped people taking action.

Does this put pressure on the Office of the Public Guardian?

The OPG is responsible for registering LPAs, but the registration process itself remains largely manual and paper based. While application numbers have almost doubled, the underlying infrastructure has not significantly modernised in parallel.

This imbalance creates longer waiting times, more admin checks and a higher risk of delays caused by minor errors. It can feel frustrating when registration takes weeks or months, especially if your LPA is needed urgently.

The increase in demand is net positive, but does highlight how stretched the system has become.

How does an LPA registration delay look like in practice?

An LPA can’t be used until it is registered. If there’s a registration delay, attorneys have no legal authority to act, even if decisions need to be made quickly. Examples of things that can affect are access to bank accounts, payment of bills or involvement in care and medical decisions.

If you’re already dealing with illness or uncertainty, waiting for registration adds an unnecessary degree of stress.

Why should we care about modernising the LPA system?

The growth in registrations should be perceived as an opportunity to improve how LPAs are processed. A more modern system could reduce all the errors we and give everyone more confidence that it’s working for their benefit.

Clearer digital workflows, better tracking of applications and faster validation would make a meaningful difference to everyone. Without this level of reform, rising demand will continue to place pressure on an ageing system and delays are likely to persist.

Are there ways to protect against registration delays now?

While applicants can’t control OPG processing times, you can help yourself to reduce the risk of avoidable delays. Completing your forms accurately and following the stringent signing rules carefully all help applications move through the system more smoothly.

Using a guided online service like Power of Attorney Online can provide reassurance your documents are prepared correctly the first time.