What are the two types of LPA?
29th September 2025
Updated: Friday 9th January 2026
What are the two types of LPA? In the UK, Power of Attorney is not a one size fits all document. There are several types, each designed for different situations. Understanding which type applies to you can help ensure your affairs are managed properly if you cannot act for yourself.
The most common are Lasting Powers of Attorney, but there are others that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney, set up using a service like Power of Attorney Online, allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. In England and Wales, there are two types.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA covers money, bills, property and investments. A Health and Welfare LPA covers medical treatment, care and day to day living decisions. These LPAs must be made while you have mental capacity and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
What does joint Power of Attorney mean?
A joint Power of Attorney means you appoint more than one attorney to act together. All decisions must be made jointly, which can offer reassurance and shared responsibility.
You can also choose a jointly and severally arrangement. This allows attorneys to act together or independently. It is more flexible and is often preferred where availability may be an issue.
Is there such a thing as a guardian Power of Attorney?
In the UK, guardian Power of Attorney is not a legal term. People often use it to describe what happens when someone has lost capacity without an LPA.
In these cases, the Court of Protection may appoint a deputy to manage affairs. This process is slower, more expensive and involves ongoing supervision. It is one of the main reasons people are encouraged to set up an LPA in advance.
What is a Continuing Power of Attorney in Scotland?
Scotland has its own legal system. A Continuing Power of Attorney is used to cover financial matters and continues if the person loses capacity.
It is similar to a Property and Financial Affairs LPA in England and Wales but operates under Scottish law. Scotland also offers a Welfare Power of Attorney for health and care decisions.
What is a banking Power of Attorney?
Some banks offer their own limited Power of Attorney or third party mandate. This allows someone to help manage a specific bank account.
While useful for short term or practical support, it does not replace a registered LPA. It will not cover wider financial decisions or health and welfare matters.
What is a Business Power of Attorney?
A Business Power of Attorney allows business owners or directors to appoint someone to manage business affairs if they cannot act.
This can protect companies from disruption and is often used alongside personal LPAs. Without one, a business may struggle to operate if a key decision maker loses capacity.
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?
An Enduring Power of Attorney was replaced by LPAs in 2007. No new EPAs can be made, but existing ones remain valid if correctly executed before October 2007.
EPAs only cover financial matters. Anyone wanting health and welfare coverage must create an LPA.
Who oversees Powers of Attorney in the UK?
The Office of the Public Guardian supervises registered LPAs and EPAs in England and Wales. They ensure attorneys act in the donor’s best interests and can investigate concerns if needed.
Which type is right for you?
The right Power of Attorney depends on your personal, financial and business circumstances. For most people, setting up both types of LPA offers the clearest protection.
Getting the right document in place now can save time, cost and stress later.
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