Order, order.

Power of Attorney Costs Adjustment Bill 2015

A bill to remove the costs associated with applying to be a Deputy over someone’s affairs when they have lost mental capacity

BE IT ENACTED by The Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, in accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-’

1. Definitions

(1) "Deputy" will be defined as someone appointed to look after someone’s property and financial affairs or personal welfare when they lack mental capacity

(2) "Lacking Mental Capacity" will be defined as when someone is can’t make a decision for themselves at the time it needs to be made

2. Costs

(1) The costs for the Deputy Assessment Fee, Supervision Fee and Minimal Supervision Fee shall all be reduced from £35-£320 a year to £0

i. This will be applied regardless of whether someone is on a reduced income or on benefits

(2) If the courts decide the application for becoming a Deputy needs to go to a Hearing, the current £500 cost will be reduced to £0

(3) The costs for applying to be a Deputy shall be reduced from £400 to £0

i. The extra £100 fee for applying if you are a new deputy shall also be reduced to £0

(4) These costs shall be paid for by the Ministry of Justice, through the Office of the Public Guardian

(5) Those currently paying the Supervision Fee or Minimal Supervision Fee will no longer have to do so

i. Costs already paid to the aforementioned schemes will not be reimbursed

3. Commencement, Short Title and Extent

(1) This act may be cited as the Power of Attorney Costs Adjustment Act

(2) This act extends to the whole United Kingdom

(3) This act will come into effect immediately

4. Further Reading

https://www.gov.uk/become-deputy/fees

This bill was submitted by UKIP Deputy Leader and MP, /u/tyroncs on behalf of The United Kingdom Independence Party.

The discussion period for this reading will end the 20th of August.