Families face higher charges
Families in the West Midlands will be hit with higher costs when setting up vital legal documents later this year as the government confirms a rise in lasting power of attorney (LPA) fees.
From November 17, 2025, the application fee for an LPA will jump from £82 to £92. The Ministry of Justice says the increase, subject to parliamentary approval, will ensure the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) can cover the full cost of delivering its services.
What’s changing
An LPA allows someone to make decisions on behalf of another person if they lose the capacity to do so. It is widely used across the country to help families manage finances, property, or healthcare for elderly or vulnerable relatives.
Officials insist the £10 rise is necessary to keep the service sustainable. They point out that fees are reviewed in line with Treasury guidance on “Managing Public Money”.
Help still available
Not everyone will have to pay the new charge. Some applicants may still be entitled to exemptions or reductions depending on their financial situation. For example, those on certain means-tested benefits could be eligible for a full fee waiver, while others may qualify for a partial reduction.
Details of the exemption and remission schemes are available on the GOV.UK website.
Deadline approaching
The change only applies to applications received on or after 17 November 2025. Families who submit their paperwork before that date will still pay the current £82 fee.
The Ministry of Justice said the update would “make sure that income from LPA applications better meets the cost of delivering the services provided by OPG”.
Planning ahead
With nearly one million people in England and Wales already holding LPAs, experts say the document is increasingly important for families planning for the future. The rise means households in the West Midlands who are considering setting one up may wish to act before the November deadline to avoid paying more.
