What Are The Two Different Types of UK Power of Attorney (And Why You Need Both!)

27th March 2025

Updated:

18th September 2025

Let’s be honest: life admin isn’t exactly the most exciting thing in the world. But some tasks are just too important to put off, and setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of them.

Why? Because it ensures that if something happens and you can’t make decisions for yourself, someone you trust can step in and take care of things for you. But did you know there are two different types of LPA? And that they cover completely different areas of your life?

Let’s break them down in a way that actually makes sense.

What Is a Health and Welfare UK Power of Attorney?

This one is all about your wellbeing. If you become unable to make decisions, because of an illness, accident, or something like dementia, this LPA allows the person you’ve chosen (your attorney) to make choices about:

❤️ Your medical treatment – What treatments you receive (or don’t receive).
🏡 Where you live – Whether you stay at home or need care elsewhere.
🍲 Your daily care – What you eat, what you wear, and your general routine.
⚕️ Life-sustaining treatment – Whether you receive treatments that could prolong your life.

Without this LPA in place, your loved ones won’t automatically have the right to make these decisions for you. Instead, doctors and social services may step in—and their choices might not align with what you would have wanted.

👉 Who should get one? Everyone! Whether you’re 30 or 80, this isn’t just for older people. Accidents and illness can happen at any time, so having a plan in place is just common sense.

What Is a Property and Financial Affairs UK Power of Attorney?

This LPA is all about your finances. If you lose the ability to manage your money, either temporarily or permanently, this document gives your attorney the power to:

🏦 Access bank accounts – Manage your personal or business finances.
💰 Pay bills & taxes – Keep your money matters running smoothly.
🏡 Sell property – If needed, they can handle property transactions on your behalf.
📑 Manage pensions & investments – Ensuring your financial stability.

Unlike the Health & Welfare LPA, this one can be used even if you still have capacity but just need help. For example, if you’re abroad for an extended time or physically unable to manage things, your attorney can step in to assist.

👉 Who should get one? Anyone with a bank account, bills, or property (so, basically everyone!). If you’re a business owner, this is even more crucial. Without it, your company finances could be completely frozen if something happens to you.

Do You Really Need Both Types of LPA?

The short answer? Yes.

Having just one LPA means you’re only covering half your life. If you want full protection, so that your health and money are looked after properly, getting both is the smartest move.

How to Set Up Both LPAs Easily

Setting up an LPA is easier than you think, especially when you do it online. It’s a small step today that could save your loved ones enormous stress in the future.

So, why not tick this off your life admin list? Your future self (and your family) will definitely thank you! 😊

👉 Get started with your LPA today and secure your future!