Learning Disability Week: Understanding LPAs and deputyship

Today marks the start of Learning Disability Week, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the contributions of people with learning disabilities. This year’s theme, “Do You See Me?” is a powerful reminder that people with learning disabilities deserve to be seen, heard, and valued in all aspects of life.

Why Learning Disability Week matters

There are around 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability. Many face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, promote inclusion, and highlight the strengths and achievements of individuals with learning disabilities.

One way to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities are supported and protected in making important life decisions is through lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and deputyship.

What is a lasting power of attorney (LPA)?

An LPA is a legal document that allows someone (called an attorney) to make decisions on behalf of another person. This can cover:

• Property and financial affairs – managing money, paying bills, and handling assets.
• Health and welfare – making medical decisions and choices about daily care.

A person with a learning disability can set up an LPA if they have capacity to understand what it means and can make the decision themselves. This gives them control over who will help them in the future.

What is deputyship?

If someone does not have the mental capacity to make decisions and has not registered an LPA, the Court of Protection can appoint a deputy to act on their behalf. Deputies can:

• Manage finances, such as paying rent or handling benefits.
• Make welfare decisions, like arranging care or medical treatment.

We are here to help

Nobody can predict the future, but everyone can plan for it. With the right team helping you, you can protect yourself and your family and provide certainty for the future. At Debenhams Ottaway, we understand the challenges that individuals with learning disabilities and their families face when navigating legal processes.

We work with families and individuals who trust us to guide them on what options are best for them and their situation, providing peace of mind for their future.

Our Court of Protection solicitors specialise in:

• helping families set up LPAs to ensure future decision-making is secure
• supporting applications for deputyship when a person lacks capacity
• advising on best interests decisions to protect vulnerable individuals
• guiding families through the complexities of the Court of Protection and safeguarding process.

We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in making important life decisions. If you need advice, visit our Court of Protection page to learn more about how we can help and meet our team of experts.