341,400 LPAs Registered in Just Three Months – What the Latest Figures Tell Us
More people are putting arrangements in place to help protect their future decision-making.
The latest figures for Lasting Powers of Attorney highlight just how many people are taking that step.
According to the Ministry of Justice, 341,400 Lasting Powers of Attorney were registered in England and Wales between April and June 2026.
That represents an increase of 17% compared with the same three-month period in 2025. GOV.UK
It is a significant figure and a useful reminder that planning ahead is becoming an important consideration for many individuals and families.
But what do the latest LPA statistics actually tell us?
LPA Registrations Remain High
The April to June figure is not an isolated increase.
Ministry of Justice figures show that LPA registrations have averaged around 360,000 per quarter over the most recent four quarters, following a period of sustained high demand. GOV.UK
That means hundreds of thousands of LPAs are being registered every few months.
Of course, statistics cannot tell us why every individual chose to make an LPA.
However, they do show that a considerable number of people are choosing to think ahead and decide who they would trust to make important decisions for them if the need arose.
This is something worth considering while those decisions remain yours to make.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney, usually shortened to LPA, is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people you trust to make certain decisions on your behalf.
The people you appoint are known as your attorneys.
There are two types of LPA:
Property and Financial Affairs
and
Health and Welfare
They cover different areas of your life.
Your Property and Financial Affairs LPA can give your attorneys authority to deal with matters such as your finances, bills, bank accounts and property.
A Health and Welfare LPA can cover decisions involving your health, care and living arrangements when you are unable to make those particular decisions yourself.
We explain both types in more detail on our main Lasting Power of Attorney service page.
What Do the Latest Figures Show About the Two Types of LPA?
The detailed figures give us an interesting picture of the different types being registered.
In total, 342,395 Powers of Attorney were registered between April and June 2026.
Of these:
157,096 related to Health and Welfare, representing around 46% of registrations.
185,299 related to Property and Financial Affairs, representing around 54%.
The small difference between the overall Power of Attorney figure of 342,395 and the 341,400 LPA figure is because the total also includes 995 Enduring Powers of Attorney registrations. GOV.UK
This shows significant demand for arrangements covering both financial matters and decisions about health and care.
For many people, considering both types forms part of making more complete arrangements for the future.
Why Does an LPA Need to Be Considered in Advance?
One of the most important things to understand about an LPA is that you need to have the necessary mental capacity when you make it.
That is why an LPA is generally something to consider before it is needed.
Making one allows you to decide who you trust and who you would want involved if circumstances changed.
Waiting until somebody can no longer make the relevant decision may mean that making an LPA is no longer possible.
This is one reason why planning ahead matters.
We have looked at this subject in more detail in our existing article:
INTERNAL LINK:
Why Is a Lasting Power of Attorney Needed?
Does Your Husband or Wife Automatically Have Authority?
This is another common assumption.
People sometimes believe that being married means their husband or wife will automatically be able to make every decision for them if they become unable to do so themselves.
However, marriage alone does not automatically make your spouse your attorney.
An LPA gives you the opportunity to formally choose who should have the authority covered by the document.
For married couples, this can be a useful conversation to have together.
Who would each of you trust?
Would you appoint one another?
Would you also want adult children or another trusted person involved?
We cover this subject in much greater detail in:
INTERNAL LINK:
Can your spouse make decisions for you if you can’t?
Who Should You Choose as Your Attorney?
The paperwork is only one part of arranging an LPA.
Choosing your attorney or attorneys is an important personal decision.
The right choice will depend on your individual circumstances.
For some people, that may be a husband, wife or partner. Others may choose an adult child, another family member or somebody else they trust.
It is worth thinking about who understands your wishes, who would act responsibly and who you genuinely trust to make decisions in your best interests.
You can read more about this in our guide:
Choosing an LPA Attorney
What Do the 2026 LPA Statistics Tell Us?
The figures themselves do not tell us why each person made an LPA.
However, they do show sustained demand.
The Office of the Public Guardian has continued to experience high levels of LPA registrations, with recent quarterly volumes remaining between approximately 340,000 and 380,000. GOV.UK
That is a powerful reminder that LPAs are not only something to think about following illness or later in life.
They are documents designed to help people plan ahead.
Putting appropriate arrangements in place while you are able to make your own decisions gives you the opportunity to choose the people you trust.
Lasting Power of Attorney Support in Rochdale
At Wills & Wishes Legal, Fiona helps individuals and couples arrange their Lasting Powers of Attorney with clear, friendly and professional guidance.
Based in Rochdale, we provide home appointments across Rochdale and surrounding areas including Norden, Bamford, Littleborough, Heywood, Castleton, Milnrow, Shawclough and Newhey.
Telephone and video consultations are also available.
Fiona has more than 25 years’ experience in the legal profession and is a member of the Society of Will Writers.
Wills & Wishes Legal also has more than 200 five-star Google reviews from clients who value the friendly, clear and personal service they receive. Wills & Wishes Legal Limited
If you would like to find out more about our service, visit:
Lasting Power of Attorney services in Rochdale
Have You Put Yours in Place?
With 341,400 LPAs registered in just three months, the latest statistics show how many people are choosing to make arrangements for the future. GOV.UK
An LPA gives you the opportunity to decide who you trust to make certain decisions on your behalf if circumstances change.
If arranging your Lasting Powers of Attorney has been something you have been meaning to do, we are here to help make the process clear and straightforward.
Speak to Fiona at Wills & Wishes Legal.
Call 07799 213721 to arrange an initial conversation or home appointment.
Make your Wishes Legal.
This article provides general information about Lasting Powers of Attorney in England and Wales. It is not advice about your individual circumstances.