Lasting Power of Attorney Statistics UK (2026)

This page brings together the latest available data on Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK. Despite being one of the most important legal documents a person can create, the vast majority of adults still do not have one.

Key LPA Statistics (UK)

How Many People Have an LPA?

While over 6 million LPAs are registered in England and Wales, the UK adult population is over 56 million. That means only around 10–15% of adults have an LPA in place.

The remaining 85%+ of the adult population has no LPA. If any of these individuals were to lose mental capacity, their families would need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order — a process that costs over £1,000, takes months, and gives families far less control over who is appointed.

Average Age People Create an LPA

Most people create an LPA between the ages of 50 and 75. Common triggers include retirement planning, a health concern, or a family event such as a parent's diagnosis. Very few people under 40 have an LPA, despite the fact that accidents and sudden illness can affect anyone at any age.

Once a child turns 18, their parents lose all legal authority to make decisions on their behalf — making LPAs relevant far earlier than most families realise. Our guide on young adults and LPAs explains why.

Why People Delay Getting an LPA

Despite the clear benefits, the vast majority of people still put off creating an LPA. The most common reasons include:

• "I'm too young" — mental capacity can be lost at any age through accidents, strokes, or illness
• "I'll do it later" — you can only create an LPA while you still have mental capacity; once it's lost, it's too late
• "I don't know what an LPA is" — awareness is growing, but millions still don't understand the protection it offers
• "My family can just sort it out" — without an LPA, no family member has automatic legal authority over your finances or health decisions

Our guide on why you should set up an LPA before it's too late addresses each of these in detail.

Cost of a Lasting Power of Attorney (UK)

Government Fees (Office of the Public Guardian)

• £92 per LPA to register with the OPG
• Most people create two LPAs (Property & Financial Affairs + Health & Welfare)
• Total government fee for both: £184
• Fee reductions are available for people on low incomes or certain means-tested benefits

Typical Total Costs by Route

LPA Registration Times

Once your signed LPA is submitted to the Office of the Public Guardian, registration typically takes 8 to 10 weeks. This can be longer if errors are found in the application or if objections are raised during the notification period.

In practice, the full process — from completing the forms to receiving a registered LPA — often takes 2 to 4 months, depending on how quickly the signing process is completed.

There is no fast-track or priority registration service. Our guide on how long it takes to create an LPA covers the full timeline.

What Happens Without an LPA?

If someone loses mental capacity without an LPA in place, their family has no automatic legal authority to manage finances or make health decisions. The only option is to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order.

Types of Lasting Power of Attorney

There are two types of LPA in England and Wales:

Most people choose to create both. Our guide on the difference between the two types of LPA explains when each applies.

Growth in LPA Registrations

LPA registrations have increased significantly over recent years. With around 800,000 to 900,000 new LPAs registered annually, this growth is driven by:

• An ageing population and rising rates of dementia
• Increased awareness through campaigns and media coverage
• More accessible and affordable online services
• High-profile advocacy, including Martin Lewis urging people to get an LPA

Despite this growth, the gap remains enormous. At current registration rates, it would take decades for the majority of UK adults to be covered.

Common Mistakes When Creating an LPA

Errors during the LPA creation process are one of the leading causes of delays and rejections by the OPG. The most common mistakes include:

• Signing in the wrong order — the donor must sign first, then the certificate provider, then the attorneys
• Choosing an ineligible certificate provider — family members and attorneys cannot act as the certificate provider
• Not understanding joint vs jointly and severally — the wrong choice can leave attorneys unable to act if one is unavailable
• Leaving forms incomplete — missing information leads to rejection and the loss of the non-refundable £92 fee
• Waiting too long — you can only create an LPA while you still have mental capacity

Our guide on common mistakes when creating an LPA explains how to avoid each of these.

Quick Summary