New OPG form for reporting concerns about attorneys, deputies or guardians

The Office of the Public Guardian published a new form last year designed to help report concerns about attorneys appointed by a Lasting Power of Attorney or an Enduring Power of Attorney, a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection or a guardian in the case of missing persons.

The OPG says concerns can relate to the misuse of money or decisions that are not in the best interests of the person they are responsible for. The new form, OPG130 follows on from the guidance published by the OPG in July 2019 on dealing with concerns raised in relation to the possible misuse, abuse or neglect arising from these appointments. You can read our earlier blog on the guidance here.

The OPG’s guidance explains what information must be included in the form although it does say that even if you do not have all the information, you can still report a concern. It also says that the OPG might be able to investigate before an LPA is registered where the concerns are that the LPA is being made illegally.

The guidance and the new form are further tools for the OPG to protect vulnerable individuals who lack mental capacity.