Why LPAs Are Becoming More Important in the UK

Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed 16 March 2026

LPA registrations in England and Wales have more than tripled over the past decade, and yet only around 6% of adults have one. Something is clearly shifting. An ageing population, rising dementia rates, increasingly complex finances, and the growth of digital assets are all converging to make LPAs more relevant than ever. This guide explores the key factors driving that change.

An Ageing Population

The UK's population is ageing rapidly. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people aged 85 and over is projected to double over the next 25 years. By 2045, there will be an estimated 3.1 million people in this age group, compared to around 1.7 million today. The over-65 population is expected to grow by more than 40% in the same period.

As people live longer, the likelihood of experiencing a period of mental incapacity increases. While many people live well into old age with full cognitive function, the risk of conditions that affect decision-making ability — including dementia, stroke, and other neurological conditions — rises significantly with age. This demographic reality means that more families will face the challenge of managing the affairs of a loved one who has lost capacity.

For an overview of what an LPA is and how it works, see our guide on what a Lasting Power of Attorney is.

Rising Dementia Rates

Dementia is the single biggest driver of mental incapacity in the UK and one of the primary reasons people need LPAs. The Alzheimer's Society estimates that around 900,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia, and this number is projected to exceed 1.6 million by 2040.

One in three people born today will develop dementia during their lifetime. It is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales, overtaking heart disease. These are not statistics to cause panic, but they underscore the importance of planning ahead. For anyone with a family history of dementia, or anyone concerned about cognitive decline, creating an LPA while you have capacity is one of the most important protective steps you can take.

Modern Finances Are Harder to Manage Without Authority

Modern personal finances are significantly more complex than they were a generation ago. Most people today have multiple bank accounts, credit cards, savings accounts, pensions, and investment products. Many have online-only bank accounts, cryptocurrency holdings, peer-to-peer lending investments, and complex mortgage arrangements.

Managing this web of financial commitments requires someone who has both the legal authority and the practical knowledge to navigate different institutions, platforms, and processes. Without an LPA, a family member cannot access any of these accounts or products, regardless of how urgent the need.

The rise of digital banking and fintech adds another layer of difficulty. Many financial products are managed entirely online, with no physical branch to visit. Passwords, two-factor authentication, and biometric security measures can make it virtually impossible for anyone other than the account holder to gain access — unless they have the legal authority of a registered LPA.

Digital Assets and Online Lives

Beyond traditional finances, the modern digital world creates new categories of assets and accounts that need managing if someone loses capacity. Consider the range of digital assets a typical person might have:

• Email accounts — containing important correspondence, password resets, and two-factor authentication codes
• Social media accounts — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others that may need to be managed or secured
• Online shopping accounts — Amazon, supermarket delivery accounts, and subscription services with stored payment details
• Cloud storage — important documents, photos, and files stored in Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud
• Cryptocurrency — Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies that require specific knowledge to access
• Online businesses — eBay shops, Etsy stores, websites, and domain names
• Digital subscriptions — streaming services, software licences, and app subscriptions with recurring charges

While a Property and Financial Affairs LPA gives the attorney authority over financial digital assets, managing them in practice requires knowing they exist and having access credentials. This is why it is increasingly recommended that people maintain a secure record of their digital accounts alongside their LPA.

Increased Public Awareness

Public awareness of LPAs has grown significantly in recent years, driven by media coverage, charity campaigns, and word of mouth from families who have experienced the consequences of not having one. Organisations like the Alzheimer's Society, Age UK, and Dementia UK have all highlighted the importance of LPAs in their public health messaging.

The Office of the Public Guardian has also worked to make the LPA process more accessible, including the introduction of a fully digital application process that allows people to create and register an LPA online. This has reduced barriers and made it easier for people to take action.

Despite this progress, awareness remains unevenly distributed. Many people still do not know what an LPA is, assume their family will automatically be able to help them, or believe they are too young to need one. Bridging this awareness gap is one of the most important challenges in protecting the UK's ageing population. For more on who benefits, read our guide on who should consider making an LPA.

Changes in Family Structures

Modern family structures are more diverse and dispersed than ever before. Adult children may live hundreds of miles away from their parents, or even in different countries. Blended families with step-children and step-parents can create complex dynamics around who should make decisions. Rising numbers of people are living alone, with no immediate family nearby.

These changes make it even more important to have a clear, legally binding document that names who should act if you lose capacity. Without an LPA, disputes between family members about who should apply for deputyship can be particularly bitter in complex family situations. An LPA removes this uncertainty by recording your clear, considered choice.

What Happens to Families Who Do Not Plan Ahead

As awareness grows, so does understanding of the consequences of not having an LPA. The Court of Protection's caseload has been rising steadily, with more families forced to apply for deputyship orders at significant cost and delay. The average cost of a deputyship application far exceeds the cost of creating and registering an LPA, and the emotional toll on families is considerable.

With all of these factors converging — an ageing population, rising dementia rates, more complex finances, digital assets, and changing family structures — the case for creating an LPA has never been stronger. It is a small investment of time and money that can prevent enormous problems down the line. To learn what happens when families have not prepared, see our guide on why families regret not creating an LPA.

Answers to Questions We Get Asked

This guide was last reviewed and updated on 16 March 2026. Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.

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