Changes in policy and practice at the OPG

Electronic Power of Attorney Registration (EPOAR)

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has reviewed its digital strategy. As of 21 November 2016 it stopped issuing paper copies of registered power of attorney documents to the granter and other specified persons. All copies are now sent out electronically and, if no email address is available for the granter, the sender's email address must be supplied instead. The sender will be required to provide a copy to the granter and any specified persons.

Schedule 1 certificate

The OPG is carrying out a more robust approach to the completion of the Schedule 1 certificate. It is now more likely to reject a submission for minor typographical errors or inconsistencies. The purpose of this firmer approach is to avoid reluctance from external organisations to deal with the registered attorney due to errors in the document.

Trainee solicitors

As of 3 April 2017, the OPG will no longer accept any powers of attorney where the Schedule 1 certificate is signed by a trainee solicitor.

Registration fees

The registration fees increased to £75 from 1 April 2017.