Review of LPA to Introduce Public Institutional Donee Options for Individuals Without Suitable Appointees

23 Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Government has studied the feasibility of introducing a public institutional donee option for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for individuals without suitable appointees; (b) how demand for such an option is expected to evolve; and (c) whether pilot schemes are being considered.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: In making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), individuals are strongly encouraged to appoint a trusted family member or friend as their donee, as such persons are usually best placed to act in their interests and understand their personal wishes. For individuals who do not have such support, they may choose to appoint a professional donee, who is regulated under the Mental Capacity Act.

When the professional deputy and donee (PDD) scheme was being conceptualised in 2016, the Government considered whether the Office of Public Guardian (OPG) could serve as a public institutional donee for individuals without suitable people to appoint. However, as the OPG's primary role is regulatory, to oversee and regulate PDD services whilst protecting vulnerable individuals, being a public institutional donee would conflict with its core regulatory function.

The Government will continue to review the PDD scheme to improve the availability of donee options.