Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) forms are to be overhauled to make them simpler to complete and cheaper to register, Public Guardian Martin John said today (11 March).

The overhaul follows a public consultation on key aspects of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Forms will now incorporate previously separate guidance and make more use of plain language. From 1 April 2009 the registration fee will be £120 – down from the present £150.

Justice minister Bridget Prentice said: ‘Helping people plan for an uncertain future when they may lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves is very important. Consulting the public has helped us to know where we can improve services to make it easier for them to make these plans.’

A new level of supervision of court-appointed deputies is also to be introduced from 1 April. This will give short-term intervention where needed, especially for lay deputies and when it is not always clear at first what level of supervision is needed. There will be no increase in fees for the Court of Protection.

John said: ‘We have listened to people’s concerns about the length and complexity of the forms and have responded. For example, we have reduced the risk of errors through improved design and have included guidance to make completion simpler.

‘Reducing the LPA registration fee demonstrates our commitment to provide a cost-effective service and to encourage takeup of such an important safeguard.

‘We aim to deliver a service that is easy to understand and use, and improving the forms is a key step in that direction. We will continue to involve the public as we seek to further improve our services to them.’

LPAs enable people concerned about their mental capacity to choose someone to look after their personal and financial affairs.