The Office of the Public Guardian (the body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice who have responsibility for registration of Powers of Attorney) have announced that they have overcharged for the registration of Powers of Attorney between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017. This is because their operating costs reduced, but their fees did not. Accordingly, a refund can be claimed from 2nd February.
If anybody registered either a Lasting Power of Attorney or an Enduring Power of Attorney (either their own or in their capacity as Attorney for somebody else) at the Office of the Public Guardian between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017 then they will be eligible for a refund of part of the registration fee which was paid to the OPG.
The registration fee paid to the OPG should have been £82.00 per Lasting or Enduring Power, and the person who made the Power of Attorney (or their Attorney or their Executor if they have died) can now claim a refund of the difference between what they actually paid and £82.00 (plus interest).
For a couple who registered both types of Lasting Power of Attorney (both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare) in this period, this could mean that they are now entitled to a refund of over £200.00.
If you think you or anybody you know might be affected, you can claim the refund here: https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney-refund or by calling the OPG on 0300 456 0300.
Rachel Saunders
Associate Solicitor
01937 547023
