Question reference: S5O-04766
- Asked by: Willie Coffey, MSP for Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 11 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Ash Denham on 18 November 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress at the Office of the Public Guardian with respect to the processing of power of attorney applications.
Answer
SCTS have increased the Office of the Public Guardian’s operational budget, allowing recruitment of 15 additional permanent staff, and development of a new IT system and an online public register.
It is anticipated that over time these improvements will mean that power of attorney documents can again be processed within the target time of 30 working days following their submission for registration.
Power of attorneys are made as part of sensible future life planning. Where there is an urgent need, the Office of the Public Guardian are continuing to register power of attorney deeds within 5 working days.