Number of Lasting Power of Attorneys Registered with Office of Public Guardian in 2016 and 2017

38 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) have been registered by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) in 2016 and 2017 respectively; and (b) what further measures can OPG take to encourage more senior Singaporeans to execute LPAs.

Mr Desmond Lee: In 2016, approximately 8,000 Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) were registered by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). In 2017, this number increased by 50% to around 12,000.

To encourage more senior Singaporeans to make an LPA, OPG is working with various organisations to raise awareness on LPA in the community. These outreach activities include engaging eldercare service providers, conducting talks at senior activity centres and distributing collaterals at community touchpoints. We will also be promoting the importance of making an LPA through radio. There is currently an application fee waiver in place for Singaporeans making more straightforward LPAs using Form 1 until 31 August 2018. We urge more Singaporeans to make their LPA early.