The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has advised deputies and attorneys in England and Wales that they cannot temporarily give up or delegate their role if they cannot visit the protected person during the coronavirus crisis, even if they themselves are in isolation or shielding because of government guidelines.
‘During the coronavirus outbreak, your role and responsibilities as a deputy or attorney remain the same’, the OPG’s guidance states. ‘If you are self-isolating or shielding, you must continue to make decisions for the protected person. You cannot ask anyone else to make those decisions for you.’ However, attorneys and deputies can make a decision and ask someone else to carry it out.
Should you have any questions regarding a Deputyship or Attorneyship please contact us on 0800 018 4480