MSE News: Martin Lewis: 'Let's make it easier for people in Scotland to use their Power of Attorney'

MSE_Helen_K

People in Scotland are being "sub-served" when they come to use their Power of Attorney compared with other UK nations, Martin Lewis has said. In a letter sent to the Scottish Government today (Thursday 5 February 2026), the MoneySavingExpert.com founder has urged for change to prevent unnecessary stress at what is "usually an already stressful and vulnerable time for people".

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Martin Lewis: 'Let's make it easier for people in Scotland to use their Power of Attorney'

TravellingWeegie

There is a wider issue that it is also more difficult for people in Scotland to put a Power of Attorney in place compared to England. In England this can be easily undertaken on the Government website for £82. In Scotland you must go to a lawyer. I was quoted over £500 for this. This is costly and off-putting. Having Power of Attorney's in place can prevent distress for individual families in difficult situations as well as going some way to tackling some of the big issues within society such as pressure on the NHS due to bed-blocking.

UncleTomCobley

There is no need to go to a lawyer, these can be developed by anyone (ref. https://www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/power-of-attorney/who-can-make-a-poa).

It does require a lawyer or doctor to confirm that, basically, the person knows what they are signing.

Seperatly, the assuance and comfort that lawyers bring to the process I suspect are common between England and Scotland.

For what it's worth I have submitted my own power of Power of Attorney application (and fee for £95) with a doctor signing the "certificate of capacity" and am awaiting its approval or otherwise. Of concern to me now is the year or so wait to get these processed (https://www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk/general/news/2026/02/09/poas-to-be-processed-this-week).

I fully agree with your comment on the welfare benefits these bring.

There are some more discussion on this subject in this recent post https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6635594/which-power-of-attorney-service-scotland#latest

TravellingWeegie

Thanks @UncleTomCobley. The Citizen's Advice website advises against using online forms. I would feel much safer with a Government endorsed system.