To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to reduce delays in the Office of the Public Guardian.

A backlog of applications to register lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) built up during the pandemic. As restrictions eased, there was a subsequent significant increase in the numbers of applications being received.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is working hard to tackle the backlog. Frontline operational staff have worked in the office throughout the pandemic and continue to do so, with the OPG’s Birmingham office operating at maximum capacity. Staff are working day and evening shifts to maximise the use of office space. Managers are also encouraging staff to work overtime through the week and at weekends to increase the volume of LPAs registered.

Staff are being recruited on a rolling basis and the use of agency staff is being extended.

We want to make it easier for the public to apply for LPAs, which is why we have announced plans to digitise the service, making it simpler and quicker to use.