Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) can now be registered for just £120, the Ministry of Justice announced today.

LPAs give people the power to plan ahead to when they are unable to make decisions for themselves, typically by appointing a relative or friend to take responsibility for their affairs as the need arises. They were introduced as part of the Mental Capacity Act 2007.

The Public Guardian, Martin John, said the reduction in registration fee from £150 to £120 arose from a review into the implementation of the act, which identified cost as a ‘key area of focus’.

The MoJ also announced that the administration of the Court of Protection, which directs the legal affairs of people lacking the mental capacity to make decisions on their own, is to move from the Office of the Public Guardian to HM Courts Service.