When someone loses the capacity to deal with their own affairs, it can be very distressing for them and those closest to them. If those closest are unable to assist because they have no legal authority to act, it can only add to the strain. In such a case, an application will need to be filed with the Court of Protection so that an appropriate order is obtained. The process involved is lengthy and will come at a considerable expense.
Property & Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney.
Power is given to the attorney(s) so that decisions can be made about one’s property and financial affairs.
To make a Lasting Power of Attorney is a complicated and lengthy process and it must adopt a strict legal format. Once this document has been signed by everyone concerned, it must be sent off to the Office of Public Guardian for registration, otherwise, the attorney has no authority to act.
Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.
Power is given to the attorney(s) so that decisions can be made about one’s healthcare and personal welfare. These decisions can only be taken if he or she lacks mental capacity, and may include decisions on whether to accept or refuse ‘life sustaining treatment’.
Enduring Powers of Attorneys were available up to the 1st October 2007, when they were replaced by Lasting Power of Attorneys. Enduring Powers of Attorneys made before this date remain valid but if your loved one has lost mental capacity, then the appointed attorney(s) will need to apply to the Office of the Public Guardian and register the Enduring Power of Attorney.
A Living Will is a legal document which sets out in clear terms what medical treatment you would or would not wish to receive if you ever became incapacitated. This document does not allow you to appoint others to make such decisions on your behalf. It is strongly recommended that you provide your GP with a copy of your Living Will so that it is placed alongside your medical records.
In 2018, the then Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid announced a “crackdown on unfairly sold practices” that would include setting ground rents on new long leases to zero and working with The Law Commission to make the process of purchasing a freehold or extending a lease of a flat “much easier, faster and cheaper”.
The property investment landscape has been facing increasing challenges in recent years, and the proposed Renters (Reform) Bill — currently progressing through Parliament — could represent a significant turning point for private landlords.
The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill received Royal Assent on 8 February 2022. The main elements of it, i.e. the ground rent restrictions themselves, remained to be brought into force by regulations. This has now taken place; The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 (The Act) will come into force on 30 June 2022.
