What is a Deputy Report and Why is it Important?

When a person is lacking the capacity to care for and make decisions for themselves you might apply for a deputyship order if there is no lasting power of attorney in place. A deputy is someone appointed by the court of protection and is deemed legally responsible for someone who doesn’t have the capacity to care for themselves. This could be because of dementia or because of a stroke. 

How To Become A Deputy

There are restrictions in place for who can become a deputy. They must be over 18 and are usually a family member or friend, the proposed deputy must complete a set of forms and a medical report is needed. Professional advisers can also be brought in to help. 

What is a Deputy Report? 

Deputy’s must provide a report to the Office of the Public Guardian annually. This report is there to evidence any actions and decisions the deputy has made on behalf of the person they care for. It also allows the Office of the Public Guardian to assess the person’s financial accounts and work with the deputy to help make decisions in the person’s best interest. 

It is vital that the Deputy completes this report. If a deputy doesn’t the Office of the Public Guardian can review and potentially revoke the deputyship. 

Why is a Deputy Report Important?

Deputy reports are vital in keeping the person being cared for safe and ensure they aren’t being taken advantage of through their finances and decisions. The report is used to keep track of all major decisions that a deputy has executed and how this reflects in the person’s best interest. Deputy reports help the Office of the Public Guardian supervise the deputyship and ensure everything is going as it should. 

What Should be Included in the Deputy Report? 

Within a deputy report you need to include details of :

• How the person is being cared for
• Any big decisions the deputy has made or is planning to make for the person
• Friends, family, and professionals the deputy has contacted on behalf of the person
• Any gifts made

If they are a property and financial affairs deputy they will also need to provide details of:

• Purchases made on the person’s behalf
• Financial records relating to the client (such as bank statements and pension details)
• The person’s assets and any debts

You can find the official OPG103A guidelines here.

If you are struggling with your deputyship and are in need of professional advice and consultancy feel free to contact the team here at Cygnet Law today. We are experts in dealing with items of this matter and understand how sensitive of a topic this can be. Please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be delighted to help with all of your needs