Can I claim a refund via the Lasting Power of Attorney Refund Scheme?
Last year the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) admitted that the fees it was charging for registering powers of attorneys were higher than the cost it actually incurred processing the applications.
As such the fee for registering an LPA was reduced in April 2017 from £110 to £82 and the OPG have launched a refund scheme so that those who paid the higher amount can apply for a partial refund.
A donor or attorney can apply for a refund if an application to register a power of attorney was made from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2017.
How much is refunded will depend on when the fees were paid however the refund will also include interest at 0.5%.
The refund amounts are as follows:
| When you paid the fee | Refund for each power of attorney |
| April to September 2013 | £54 |
| October 2013 to March 2014 | £34 |
| April 2014 to March 2015 | £37 |
| April 2015 to March 2016 | £38 |
| April 2016 to March 2017 | £45 |
It may take up to 12 weeks for a claim to be processed and the scheme will run until 31 January 2021.
Only a donor, attorney, deputy or a personal representative (where the donor has died) can make the claim and receive the refund.
Those seeking a refund can apply online or call the OPG on 0300 456 0300. Deputies and PRs must claim by phone. More guidance for completing the refund claims process can be found on the Gov.uk website, click here.
* Disclaimer: The information on the Anthony Gold website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. It is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied.*
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