What is a deputyship in England and Wales?
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In short: A deputy is someone the Court of Protection appoints to make decisions for a person who already lacks mental capacity and has no Lasting Power of Attorney. The 2026 application fee is £432 per type, with yearly OPG supervision after that. If you only need to manage benefits, become a DWP appointee instead.
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You cannot make an LPA once capacity is lost. Deputyship is slower and dearer than registering an LPA in advance. Property and affairs deputies usually need a security bond and must send an annual report to the Office of the Public Guardian. Official: www.gov.uk/become-deputy
Scotland uses guardianship. Northern Ireland uses a controller. Guide: deputyship. Make an LPA while you still can: Lasting Power of Attorney.
Primary source: gov.uk/become-deputy
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