Types of Power of Attorney in the UK: A Complete Guide

26th September 2025

If you’re planning ahead for the future, one of the most important legal tools to understand is the Power of Attorney (POA). A Power of Attorney allows you to give someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf. But did you know there are several different types of Power of Attorney in the UK, each with its own purpose and rules?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the main options so you can decide which type of Power of Attorney best fits your situation.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you (the donor) appoint someone you trust (your attorney) to act on your behalf. Depending on the type, this can cover decisions about your health, welfare, property or finances.

Choosing the right type of UK POA is essential, as each one comes with different powers and limitations.

Ordinary Power of Attorney (OPA)

An Ordinary Power of Attorney is a short-term option. It gives your attorney the authority to manage your financial affairs while you still have mental capacity.

• Often used if you’re going abroad for an extended period
• Helpful if you’re recovering from illness or surgery
• Only valid while you can still make your own decisions

This type of POA is limited in scope and cannot be used if you lose capacity.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

The Lasting Power of Attorney is the most widely recommended type in England and Wales. There are two main forms:

1. Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about medical treatment, daily routines, care homes, and life-sustaining treatment. This can only be used once you lose mental capacity.
2. Property and Financial Affairs LPA – allows attorneys to manage bank accounts, pay bills, handle benefits, and even sell property. You can choose for this to take effect immediately or only if you lose capacity.

LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by Lasting Power of Attorneys in 2007. However, if you set one up before then, it may still be valid.

• EPAs cover property and financial decisions only
• They can be used while you have capacity, but must be registered if you lose it
• No new EPAs can be created today, but existing ones remain legally binding

Other Forms of Power of Attorney

While the above are the main types, you may also encounter:

• General Power of Attorney – another term often used for Ordinary POA
• Business Power of Attorney – designed for business owners who want someone to handle company affairs if they’re unavailable
• Specific Power of Attorney – limited to one task, such as selling a property

These more specialised POAs are less common but still useful in the right circumstances.

Which Type of Power of Attorney Do You Need?

• If you want short-term financial cover – choose an Ordinary POA
• If you want long-term protection for health or finances – set up a Lasting Power of Attorney
• If you already have an EPA created before 2007, it’s still valid

Take Control with Power of Attorney

Understanding the different types of Power of Attorney gives you the power to plan ahead and protect yourself and your family.

Ready to create your Lasting Power of Attorney? Start today with Power of Attorney Online for just £99, with guided support and expert checks for peace of mind.