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? This question is being asked by more families each year as Lasting Power of Attorney applications in England and Wales continue to rise at record speed. With registrations more than doubling in four years, many people want to understand what is driving this surge, how the Office of the Public Guardian is responding, and whether delays are becoming more likely. Exploring these points helps applicants make informed decisions and avoid unexpected problems when legal authority is needed most.

Why are more people registering a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Several factors are driving the rise in LPA registrations. Public awareness campaigns have highlighted the risks families face when no legal authority exists. Many people now understand that next of kin or spouses cannot automatically step in to make decisions.

An ageing population has also played a role. As people live longer, there is greater focus on planning for later life, including health, welfare and financial decisions. The experience of the pandemic further accelerated this awareness, prompting families to prepare for unexpected illness or incapacity.

Digital services have contributed too. Online platforms have made LPAs more accessible, affordable and easier to understand, removing barriers that previously stopped people taking action.

What pressure is this putting on the Office of the Public Guardian?

The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for registering LPAs, but the registration process remains largely manual and paper based. While application numbers have almost doubled, the underlying infrastructure has not been significantly modernised.

This imbalance creates longer waiting times, more administrative checks and a higher risk of delays caused by minor errors. Families often feel frustrated when registration takes weeks or months, especially if the LPA is needed urgently.

The increase in demand is positive, but it has highlighted how stretched the system has become.

How do delays affect families in practice?

An LPA cannot be used until it is registered. When delays occur, attorneys have no legal authority to act, even if decisions need to be made quickly. This can affect access to bank accounts, payment of bills, or involvement in care and medical decisions.

For families already dealing with illness or uncertainty, waiting for registration adds unnecessary stress. It also increases the risk of people turning to the Court of Protection as a last resort, which is far more costly and time consuming.

Why does modernisation of the LPA system matter?

The growth in registrations should be an opportunity to improve how LPAs are processed. A more modern system could reduce errors and improve confidence for applicants.

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

How can people protect themselves against delays now?

While applicants cannot control OPG processing times, they can reduce the risk of avoidable delays. Completing forms accurately, following signing rules carefully and avoiding common mistakes all help applications move through the system more smoothly.

Using a guided online service provides reassurance that documents are checked before submission and prepared correctly the first time.

As LPA registrations continue to rise, understanding the pressure on the system helps set realistic expectations. Planning early and completing an application carefully remains the most effective way to ensure legal protection is in place when it matters most.