NEWS

Power of Attorney Fee Refund Scheme

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a power of attorney fee refund scheme.  This is to compensate individuals who may have been charged more than necessary when applying to register lasting or enduring powers of attorney between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017.

During this period, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) charged £110 to set up a lasting power of attorney.  However, as more people applied to register the process become more efficeint, but the application fee was not reduced in line with this until April 2017 when it was lowered to £82. 

As a result it is estimated 1.8 million people paid a higher fee than necessary.

Individuals who believe they may be eligible for a refund will find details on how to make a claim at the gov.uk website. The donor’s UK bank account number and sort code will be required.

The OPG has said making a claim is quick and simple using the online service.  Only one form needs to be completed for each donor and OPG will find all power of attorney applications fees paid by the donor during the qualifying period. 

There is also a dedicated refunds service helpline for those who need it. Call 0300 456 0300 and select option 6 to be put through to the OPG’s refunds team.

12/02/2018