Help with managing your money - Littlewoodscontent.littlewoods.com/.../pdf/help_with_managing_money.pdfThe Money Advice Service is here to help you manage your money better. We provide

Help with managing moneyIf you, or someone you care for, lacks mental capacity

The Money Advice Service is here to help you manage your money better. We provide clear, unbiased advice to help you make informed choices.

We try to ensure that the information and advice in this guide is correct at time of print. For up-to-date information and money advice please visit our website – moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

moneyadviceservice.org.uk� 1

ContentsKey things to think about 2

Managing on your own or with help 4

Helping someone to manage their money 10

More permanent help 14

Your questions answered 21

Next steps 24

If things go wrong 25

Jargon buster 27

Useful contacts 29

About this guideThis guide is for you if:

■ you have difficulty managing money because you have a mental health condition that you are either recovering from or which might get worse, or that comes and goes, or

■ you are a carer, family member, friend or professional who helps to manage the money of someone with learning difficulties, or who has a mental health condition that they are either recovering from or which might get worse, or that comes and goes.

When you read it you will know:■■ how■someone■else■may■be■able■■to■help■you

■■ how■to■plan■ahead■in■case■you■need■someone■to■take■over■your■affairs■later■on,■and

■■ how■you■can■give■help,■if■you■would■like■to■do■so.

2�

This guide explains various ways that can make it easier to manage your money yourself or how other people can help you.If■you■want■to■help■someone■manage■their■money,■see■page■10.

Admitting■you■need■help■can■be■a■difficult■step.■But■struggling■alone■or■ignoring■money■matters■may■cause■problems,■for■example:

■■ unpaid■bills■−■which■could■mean■services■like■your■phone■are■cut■off■or■you■are■threatened■with■court■action

■■ running■up■debts■−■if■you■find■it■hard■to■budget■and■control■your■spending

■■ hardship■for■a■partner■or■other■family■members■if■they■rely■on■you■to■run■the■household■finances.■This■is■especially■a■problem■if■most■of■the■household■money■is■paid■into■your■bank■or■other■accounts,■or

■■ living■on■less■than■you■have■to,■if■you■do■not■claim■benefits■to■which■you■are■entitled.

If you want to plan ahead You■may■be■concerned■that■you■could■lose■the■ability■to■manage■your■own■affairs,■for■example■if■you■have■been■diagnosed■with■a■health■condition■that■is■likely■to■get■worse.■

There■are■steps■you■can■take■now■so■that■someone■can■take■over■your■financial■affairs■at■some■future■date■if■necessary.■This■might■be,■for■example,■your■partner,■or■an■adult■son■or■daughter.

Any■person■you■choose■to■act■for■you■should■be■someone■you■can■trust■completely■and■you■should■check■that■they■would■be■happy■to■take■on■this■role.

Key things to think about


If you want to help someone manage their moneyIf■you■see■a■family■member■or■friend■having■difficulty■with■financial■decisions,■it■can■be■hard■to■know■when■to■intervene■or■what■help■to■offer.

Bear■in■mind■that■the■law■says■you■must■assume■that■someone■is■able■to■make■their■own■decisions■unless■there■is■evidence■to■the■contrary.

As■a■first■step,■consider■what■support■you■could■give■to■help■the■person■■carry■on■making■their■own■decisions.■For■example,■maybe■you■could■go■shopping■with■them■to■help■them■■spend■within■their■budget.

Consider■whether■any■mental■health■condition■might■be■temporary.■In■that■case,■could■any■financial■decisions■be■put■off■until■the■person■has■recovered?

This■guide■suggests■a■range■of■ways■■in■which■you■may■be■able■to■support■someone■in■making■their■own■decisions.■It■also■looks■at■what■to■do■if■you■need■■to■take■over■their■affairs■completely■–■see■page■18.

See■the■Jargon buster on■page■27■for■an■explanation■of■some■words■you■may■come■across.

Key points ■ It can be hard to ask for help if you need it. But not asking may cause money problems for you and your family.

■ If someone is finding it hard to manage their money, there may be ways you can support them to carry on making their own decisions, rather than taking over their affairs completely.

4�

There are ways to manage your budget, savings and pay your bills more easily. If you need help at any time there are various ways of getting help – see page 7.

Managing on your ownBudgeting■means■keeping■track■of■your■income■and■spending.■This■can■help■you■to■live■within■your■means.

Having■some■savings■helps■you■deal■with■unexpected■expenses■and■events.■This■can■help■you■avoid■getting■into■debt■–■see■page■5.

There■are■various■ways■to■manage■your■bills■and■other■payments■more■easily■–■see■page■6.

BudgetingIt■can■seem■easier■to■budget■using■cash,■because■you■can■divide■your■money■into■visible■‘pots’■−■one■to■cover■the■gas■bill,■one■for■food■shopping,■and■so■on.■But■if■you■have■a■bank■account■it■is■easier■to■make■and■receive■payments■through■‘automated■credit■transfers’.

Asking■for■monthly■bank■statements■■will■help■you■keep■track■of■the■money■in■your■account.■You■can■check■an■online■account■at■any■time■and■as■often■as■you■like.■Some■online■accounts■let■you■split■up■your■money■into■‘pots’■for■different■types■of■spending,■just■as■you■would■with■cash.

The■Your money■section■of■our■website■has■information■and■money■planners■to■help■you■work■out■a■budget■–■see■moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

Automated credit transferIf■you■have■a■bank,■building■society■or■■a■credit■union■account,■usually■you■■can■arrange■to■have■income■paid■automatically■into■it.■You■can■do■this■with,■for■example,■earnings■from■a■job■and■State■entitlements■(such■as■Disability■Living■Allowance).

This■means■you■do■not■have■to■get■to■■a■branch■to■pay■in■cheques,■or■fill■in■paying-in■slips.■It■helps■you■manage■your■budgeting■because■the■money■is■in■your■account■straight■away■on■the■due■date.

To■arrange■payment■by■automated■credit■transfer,■contact■the■organisation■or■person■who■pays■you.■See■Useful contacts■on■page■29■for■who■to■contact■to■have■State■benefits■paid■this■way.

State entitlementsAn■important■part■of■budgeting■is■making■sure■you■are■getting■all■the■income■you■are■entitled■to.■If■you■have■■a■disability■or■your■income■is■low,■you■may■be■able■to■claim■state■benefits,■such■as■Disability■Living■Allowance■or■Council■Tax■Benefit.

Managing on your own or with help


Working■out■if■you■can■get■benefits■and■making■a■claim■can■be■complicated.■You■can■get■free■independent■help■from,■for■example,■your■local■Citizens■Advice■Bureau.■Health■charities■often■have■a■benefits■helpline■or■can■refer■you■to■someone■who■can■help.

To■make■a■claim■for■benefits,■contact■your■local■Jobcentre■Plus■(Jobs■and■Benefits■Office■in■Northern■Ireland),■if■you■are■under■pension■age.■Contact■The■Pensions,■Disability■and■Carers■Service,■if■you■are■older■–■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.■

SavingsHaving■some■savings■means■if■something■unexpected■happens,■you■have■the■money■to■deal■with■it.■This■may■mean■you■won’t■have■to■borrow.

You■don’t■need■to■save■much■each■week■or■month■to■build■up■a■useful■emergency■fund.■Even■just■£1■a■week■would■build■to■over■£100■after■a■couple■of■years.

If■you■have■a■bank■account,■you■could■set■up■a■standing■order■−■see■page■7■–■to■transfer■a■regular■sum■each■month■into■a■savings■account.

InvestmentsIf■you■have■a■large■sum■of■money■−■for■example,■from■an■injury■settlement■or■inheritance■−■you■may■need■to■think■about■how■to■invest■it■for■the■longer■term.

Some■financial■advisers■and■stockbrokers■offer■a■‘discretionary■management■service’.■This■means■that,■instead■of■making■your■own■choices■about■which■investments■to■buy■and■when■to■buy■and■sell■them,■you■explain■your■investment■aims■to■the■adviser■who■makes■the■choices■for■you.

For■example,■you■might■want■your■investments■to■grow■without■taking■much■risk,■or■you■might■want■them■to■produce■a■regular■income.■Once■the■adviser■understands■your■aims,■the■firm■invests■your■money■and■takes■decisions■for■you.■You■pay■fees■for■this■service.

You■can■find■firms■that■offer■this■type■of■service■by■contacting■the■Association■of■Private■Client■Investment■Managers■and■Stockbrokers■(APCIMS)■−■see■Useful contacts.■

You■may■want■to■ask■someone■you■trust■to■come■with■you■when■you■visit■an■adviser■to■help■you■explain■your■needs■and■consider■the■advice.

6�

Managing your bills and paymentsThere■are■various■ways■to■manage■your■bills■and■other■payments■more■easily.

Having a bank accountBank■accounts,■and■some■credit■union■accounts,■have■features■(see■below)■that■let■you■receive■money■and■make■payments■without■having■to■visit■a■branch■or■pay■point.■So■you■may■find■this■an■easier■way■to■manage■your■money■than■relying■on■cash■or■a■Post■Office®■Card■Account.

You■can■even■run■a■bank■account■completely■from■home■using■the■phone■or■internet.

If■you■don’t■want■the■worry■of■going■overdrawn■but■want■to■manage■your■payments■through■a■bank■account,■a■basic■bank■account■may■suit■you.■Get■■a■copy■of■our■Basic bank accounts■guide■for■how■these■work.■Alternatively■get■a■copy■of■our■guide■Your bank account■which■sets■out■how■to■open■and■run■a■bank■account,■including■what■the■bank■or■building■society■will■do■−■see Useful contacts■on■page■29.

Contact■a■bank■or■building■society■to■open■an■account■or■to■set■up■phone■banking.■Go■to■their■website■to■set■up■an■internet■account.

Direct DebitsYou■can■set■up■a■Direct■Debit■to■pay■■a■monthly■sum■to■the■provider■of■your■gas,■electricity,■phone■or■other■service.■The■payments■build■up■in■your■customer■account■with■the■service■provider.■When■your■bill■is■due,■payment■is■taken■from■that■account.

Direct■Debits■can■save■you■paperwork■and■late-payment■problems.■But■make■sure■the■monthly■payment■is■not■set■too■high.■If■too■much■money■builds■up■in■your■customer■account,■ask■the■service■provider■to■pay■some■of■it■back■to■you.

You■can■also■set■up■a■Direct■Debit■for■credit■card■bills.■It■can■pay■off■the■minimum■each■month,■the■full■balance■or■a■set■amount■that■you■specify.

The■service■provider■can■help■you■set■up■the■Direct■Debit.


Standing ordersIf■you■regularly■have■to■pay■someone■−■for■example,■an■allowance■to■a■family■member■or■charges■to■a■carer■or■home■help■−■consider■setting■up■a■standing■order.■This■will■automatically■pay■the■sum■you■specify■from■your■bank■account■direct■to■theirs■on■a■set■day■each■month.

Talk■to■your■bank■or■building■society■about■setting■up■a■standing■order.

Chip and signature cardsPaying■for■things■by■card■is■common.■But■if■you■find■it■hard■to■remember■a■PIN■or■to■use■a■key■pad,■you■can■instead■ask■to■be■issued■with■a■‘chip■and■signature■card’.

When■you■pay■in■a■shop,■you■still■put■your■debit■or■credit■card■into■the■card■reader.■But■the■reader■will■tell■the■sales■assistant■to■ask■you■to■sign■a■receipt■instead■of■keying■in■a■PIN.■

Talk■to■your■bank■or■building■society■or■card■provider■about■getting■a■chip■and■signature■card.

Managing with helpIf■you■have■difficulty■with■some■financial■tasks,■but■not■others■or■you■go■through■periods■when■you■find■it■hard■to■manage,■but■can■cope■at■other■times,■there■are■a■variety■of■ways■you■can■arrange■for■someone■to■help■you.■This■should■be■someone■you■can■trust.

Bank and savings accounts: third-party mandateA■third-party■mandate■authorises■your■bank,■building■society■or■other■account■provider■to■accept■instructions■made■on■your■behalf■by■someone■else.■It■gives■the■person■the■authority■to■run■your■bank■account■(but■no■other■financial■arrangements)■for■you.

The■account■and■the■money■in■it■are■still■yours,■but■the■person■helping■you■can■make■withdrawals■and■arrange■other■transactions■and■do■all■the■same■things■to■operate■the■account■that■you■can.

Contact■your■bank■or■other■account■provider■to■request■a■third-party■mandate■arrangement.■(The■provider■does■not■have■to■agree.)

8�

Joint accountYou■could■open■a■joint■account■with■someone■else■or■change■an■existing■account■so■that■it■is■held■in■joint■names.

The■money■in■the■account■no■longer■belongs■just■to■you.■You■and■the■other■person■become■joint■owners.■You■can■set■up■a■joint■account■so■that■either■of■you■can■make■withdrawals■and■take■other■decisions.

If■someone■is■helping■you■use■the■account■to■meet■regular■bills■and■other■expenses,■you■might■want■to■consider■having■a■joint■account■for■just■some■of■your■money■and■keeping■the■rest■in■your■own■personal■account.

If■either■of■you■died,■the■other■person■would■automatically■inherit■all■the■money■in■the■account■and■continue■to■have■access■to■it.■So■a■joint■account■can■be■a■simple■way■of■making■sure■that■your■partner■would■be■financially■taken■care■of■if■you■were■to■die.

To■set■up■a■joint■account,■contact■your■bank■or■other■account■provider.

Post Office® Card AccountIf■your■benefits■are■paid■into■this■type■of■account■and■you■find■it■hard■to■get■to■a■post■office■yourself,■you■can■ask■for■a■named■person■(called■your■‘permanent■agent’)■to■have■access■to■your■account■as■well.■They■will■be■given■their■own■card■and■PIN■so■they■can■draw■out■cash■and■check■your■balance■for■you.

To■appoint■someone■as■your■permanent■agent,■get■an■application■form■from■any■post■office.

Stay safe! If someone offers to help with your bank account, Post Office® Card Account or other account, don’t just give them your own card and PIN. You will be breaking the security rules and, if money went missing, you might not be protected.

If you set up a joint account or third-party mandate, the person helping you will get their own card and PIN.


Other ways to get help with state entitlements

If■several■different■people■help■you■to■collect■your■state■benefits,■you■could■ask■for■the■benefits■to■be■paid■by■cheque.■You■can■then■sign■the■cheque■on■the■back■to■authorise■someone■else■to■cash■it■for■you.■This■does■not■have■to■be■the■same■person■every■time■(unlike■appointing■someone■as■your■permanent■agent■for■a■Post■Office®■Card■account).■

To■ask■for■payment■by■cheque,■contact■the■office■named■on■paperwork■about■your■benefit■entitlement.■But■consider■whether■it■would■be■easier■to■have■your■benefits■paid■into■a■bank■account■instead■–■see■page■6.

An ordinary power of attorneyA■power■of■attorney■is■a■legal■arrangement■that■gives■someone■else■(your■attorney)■the■power■to■take■over■making■your■decisions.

Some■powers■of■attorney■are■designed■to■be■permanent■–■see■page■14.■But■you■can■set■up■a■different■arrangement■called■an■‘ordinary■power■of■attorney’.■This■is■designed■to■be■used■–■often■for■■a■specific,■short■period■–■when■you■are■able■to■make■your■own■decisions■but■it■is■convenient■to■ask■someone■else■to■take■over.

An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■can■be■useful■if,■for■example:■

■■ you■will■be■away■on■holiday■or■in■hospital■for■a■time,■or■

■■ if■you■are■able■to■make■your■own■decisions■but■find■it■easier■to■have■the■support■of■someone■else■who■can■step■in.

An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■can■cover:■

■■ all■your■financial■affairs■(called■a■‘general■power’),■or■

■■ just■some■areas■that■you■specify.■

You■can■cancel■the■power■at■any■time.

An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■is■automatically■invalid■if■you■lose■the■ability■to■make■your■own■decisions■(called■losing■‘mental■capacity’■–■see■page■12).

To■set■up■an■ordinary■power■of■attorney,■it■may■be■helpful■to■contact■a■solicitor■−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.■It■is■likely■to■cost■around■£150.■But■check■in■advance■that■your■bank■and■any■other■providers■that■your■attorney■will■have■to■deal■with■will■recognise■the■power■and■accept■your■attorney’s■instructions.

10�

As a carer, family member, friend or professional, seeing someone having difficulty managing their money and financial affairs can be worrying.It■may■be■tempting■to■step■in■and■take■over,■but■this■is■appropriate■only■if■the■person■lacks■‘mental■capacity’■(the■ability■to■make■their■own■decisions)■−■see■page■12.■

There■are■various■ways■of■helping■someone■to■go■on■making■their■own■decisions■about■money■–■see■below■−■and■many■ways■that■you■can■help.

Whatever■help■you■offer,■make■sure■you■understand■what■is■involved■and■that■you■are■able■and■happy■to■take■on■the■work■and■responsibilities.

Help with paperworkThe■person■you■are■helping■may■find■it■hard■to■understand■written■information■about■bank■accounts,■other■financial■products,■State■benefits■and■tax.■You■could■go■through■these■documents■with■them,■explaining■unfamiliar■terms■and■ideas.

They■may■find■filling■in■forms■daunting.■You■could■talk■them■through■the■forms■and■write■in■the■answers,■leaving■the■person■just■to■add■their■signature.■

Help with meetingsFrom■time■to■time,■the■person■may■■need■to■meet■face■to■face■with■different■people■or■organisations■−■for■example,■a■benefits■adviser,■bank,■financial■adviser■or■solicitor.

These■meetings■may■be■less■stressful■■if■you■can■go■along■too■and■you■can■help■by:

■■ making■sure■the■person’s■situation■is■clearly■explained■and■understood

■■ taking■notes■so■that■later■on■you■and■the■person■can■review■what■was■said■before■they■make■a■decision

■■ asking■questions■if■you■think■something■has■been■forgotten

■■ making■sure■the■person■does■not■make■a■decision■too■quickly■before■all■the■issues■have■been■carefully■considered,■and

■■ being■on■the■alert■for■rogue■firms■■that■might■take■advantage■of■a■vulnerable■person.

Helping someone to manage their money


Help with budgeting and day-to-day moneyYou■may■be■able■to■gently■keep■an■eye■on■the■person’s■spending■by,■for■example,■suggesting■you■make■shopping■trips■together,■offering■to■read■through■bills■and■statements■when■they■arrive,■and■helping■the■person■to■pay■their■bills■on■time.

If■they■need■more■support,■you■could■offer■to■help■manage■their■bank■account■through■a■third-party■mandate■−■see■page■7.■

You■could■collect■their■state■benefits■by■becoming■a■permanent■agent■for■their■Post■Office®■Card■Account■−■see■page■8.

Another■possibility■would■be■to■become■a■joint■account■holder■if■the■person■wanted■you■to■do■this■−■see■page■8.

You■may■be■unable■to■give■this■sort■of■help■yourself■but■think■it■would■be■useful.■In■that■case,■you■could■talk■to■the■person’s■social■worker■or■other■professional■support■worker,■if■they■have■one.■They■might■suggest■using■a■professional■daily■money■management■service,■such■as■the■Money■Carer■Foundation■−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.

If■they■need■help■deciding■on■their■financial■priorities■our■online■health check■may■help.■You■can■work■through■it■together■–■answer■some■straightforward■questions■to■get■a■tailored■action■plan■and■some■longer-term■goals■–■see■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/healthcheck.

Also■our■Money■Advisers■can■help■you■to■help■them■with■any■questions■about■money■–■call■them■on■0300■500■5000.

Stay safe! If you offer to help with a person’s bank account, Post Office® Card Account or other account, you will be given your own card and PIN. Never just use the account-holder’s own card and PIN − you would be breaking the security rules for the account and could be vulnerable if any money went missing.

12�

Watch out for scams and fraudsPeople■who■need■help■with■managing■money■are■often■vulnerable■to■high-pressure■salespeople,■scams■and■fraudsters.

Keep■in■regular■touch■with■the■person■you■are■helping■and■chat■to■them■about■phone■calls,■visits■and■emails■they■have■received.■Be■suspicious■if■they■say■they■have■bought■anything■or■made■any■investments■as■a■result■of■being■contacted■out■of■the■blue.

You■can■find■out■how■to■stay■safe■against■scams■with■our■online■guide■–■see■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/guides.

More extensive helpIf■the■person■needing■help■is■going■to■be■away■for■a■while■−■for■example,■to■go■into■hospital■−■you■could■agree■to■being■appointed■temporarily■as■their■attorney,■using■an■ordinary■power■of■attorney■−■see■page■9.

If■the■person■has■good■and■bad■days,■it■might■be■useful■for■you■to■become■their■attorney■on■a■more■or■less■permanent■basis.■Then■you■can■easily■step■in■as■and■when■help■is■needed.

An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■can■give■you■the■authority■to■manage■either■all,■or■just■some,■of■the■person’s■financial■affairs.

What is mental capacity?Someone■may■need■help■managing■their■money■if■they■lack■‘mental■capacity’■(which■means■their■ability■■to■make■their■own■decisions).

The■law■says■everyone■is■assumed■to■have■mental■capacity■unless■it■can■be■shown■that:

■■ they■have■a■condition■that■affects■their■mind■or■brain,■and

■■ as■a■result■−■and■despite■receiving■appropriate■support■−■they■cannot■make■a■specific■decision■at■a■particular■time.

Mental health conditionsConditions■that■affect■someone’s■mind■or■brain■can■include,■for■example,■some■forms■of■mental■illness,■such■as■bipolar■disorder;■a■significant■learning■disability;■dementia;■or■brain■damage■due■to,■say,■a■stroke■or■accident.■It■could■be■caused■by■a■physical■or■medical■condition■that■causes■drowsiness,■confusion■or■unconsciousness,■or■the■result■of■drugs■or■alcohol.

Specific decisionsMental■capacity■is■always■defined■in■relation■to■a■specific■decision.

A■person■may■have■capacity■to■make■some■decisions■but■not■others.■For■example,■they■may■be■able■to■manage■day-to-day■spending,■but■lack■the■capacity■to■invest■a■lump■sum.


Mental■capacity■may■come■and■go.■For■example,■a■person■with■bipolar■disorder■may■go■through■periods■when■they■cannot■make■decisions,■but■have■full■mental■capacity■the■rest■of■the■time.

Even■if■someone■seems■consistently■■to■lack■mental■capacity,■their■position■should■be■reviewed,■for■example,■whenever■a■major■decision■needs■to■■be■made.

A■person■is■not■treated■as■lacking■capacity■just■because■the■decisions■they■make■seem■to■be■poor■ones.

Appropriate supportThe■law■describes■four■ways■someone■may■be■unable■to■make■a■decision.■But■they■have■the■right■to■all■practical■and■appropriate■support■to■help■them■overcome■these■difficulties.■They■may■be■unable■to:

■■ understand■information■about■the■decision.■Information■should■be■provided■in■an■appropriate■form■−■for■example,■simple■language,■pictures,■a■video,■or■through■talking■with■a■carer■or■adviser

■■ retain■the■information,■but■it■may■be■possible■to■overcome■this,■for■example,■by■writing■down■the■information

■■ use■or■weigh■up■the■information.■It■may■help■to■break■up■the■information■into■small■sections■or■allow■them■extra■time■to■think■it■over,■or

■■ communicate■their■decision■in■any■way,■including,■for■example,■sign■language■or■even■just■a■blink■of■an■eye■or■squeeze■of■the■hand.

Key points ■ Lack of mental capacity means a person is unable to make a decision for themselves.

■ Everyone is assumed to have mental capacity unless it is shown they do not.

■ Lack of capacity is judged in relation to a specific decision. A person may be able to manage some decisions but not others. Appropriate support can help a person carry on making their own decisions.

■

14�

There are ways to arrange more permanent help either for yourself or if you want to give help. If you need to take over someone else’s affairs, see page 10.

If you think you may need helpYou■may■have■been■diagnosed■with■a■condition■affecting■your■mental■capacity■or■you■may■simply■want■to■plan■ahead■in■case■your■mental■capacity■is■lower■in■later■life.■In■these■situations,■you■may■want■to■consider■an■arrangement■that■gives■someone■else■permanent■power■to■manage■your■affairs■for■you.

In■England■and■Wales,■this■is■called■a■lasting■power■of■attorney.■You■can■set■up■a■power■of■attorney■only■while■you■have■mental■capacity.

There■are■similar■arrangements■in■other■parts■of■the■UK.■In Scotland■it■is■called■a■continuing■power■of■attorney■and■in■Northern Ireland■it■is■called■an■enduring■power■of■attorney.

If you want to give helpYou■may■have■been■asked■if■you■will■take■on■the■role■of■attorney■should■someone■close■to■you■lose■mental■capacity.■This■is■an■important■task.■Don’t■underestimate■the■time■and■effort■it■may■take.

While■the■person■you■will■be■helping■still■has■mental■capacity,■discuss■their■affairs■with■them■and■make■sure■you■know■where■to■find■their■paperwork.

If■a■person■already■lacks■capacity,■they■cannot■set■up■a■lasting■power■of■attorney.■However,■you■can■apply■to■the■Court■of■Protection■to■be■appointed■as■the■person’s■deputy■(England■and■Wales)■−■see■the■Directgov■website■at■■www.direct.gov.uk.

Similar■arrangements■exist■in■other■parts■of■the■UK:■appointment■as■a■controller■(Northern■Ireland)■or■guardian■(Scotland).■You■will■have■basically■the■same■powers■and■duties■as■an■attorney.■If■you■want■to■ensure■that■financial■support■is■available■for■someone■suffering■from■a■mental■health■condition,■you■could■consider■setting■up■a■trust■−■see■page■19.

More permanent help


Setting up a lasting power of attorneyA■lasting■power■of■attorney■gives■one■or■more■people■(your■‘attorneys’)■the■legal■power■to■manage■your■affairs■for■you■on■an■ongoing■basis.

You■can■appoint■more■than■one■attorney■and■can■specify■whether■they■must■make■decisions■jointly■and■individually,■or■can■act■independently.

It■is■a■good■idea■to■name■one■or■more■replacement■attorneys■who■would■take■over■if■your■first■choice■died■or■could■no■longer■act■for■you.

You■must■have■mental■capacity■at■■the■time■you■set■up■the■arrangement.■■A■lasting■power■is■usually■designed■to■start■if■you■lose■capacity■later■on.

Alternatively,■it■can■start■straight■away,■in■which■case■it■carries■on■if■later■you■lose■mental■capacity.

It■takes■at■least■eleven■weeks■to■register■■a■lasting■power■of■attorney■–■see■page■16■–■and■if■you■lost■mental■capacity■during■that■time,■your■attorney■would■not■be■able■to■act■for■you■until■it■is■registered.

Who to choose as your attorneyMost■people■appoint■their■husband,■wife,■partner,■other■family■member■or■a■close■friend■as■attorney.■It■is■essential■that■it■is■someone■you■trust.

Your■attorney■will■take■decisions■for■you,■but■should■always■act■in■your■best■interests.

Your■attorney■can■be■a■company,■■for■example■part■of■a■bank.■It■will■charge■a■fee.

Types of lasting power of attorneyIn■England■and■Wales,■there■are■two■types■of■lasting■power■of■attorney.■You■can■set■up■one■or■both:

■■ Property and affairs lasting power of attorney.■Your■attorney■has■the■power■to■manage■all■your■financial■affairs■including,■for■example,■running■your■bank■and■savings■accounts,■managing■your■tax■affairs,■and■buying■and■selling■investments■and■property.

■■ Personal welfare lasting power of attorney. Your■attorney■has■the■power■to■make■decisions■about■matters■affecting■your■care■and■welfare,■for■example,■what■medical■treatment■you■receive■and■moving■into■a■care■home.

16�

Creating a lasting power of attorneyYou■can■get■the■forms■and■guidance■you■need■to■create■a■lasting■power■of■attorney■from■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.■The■forms■include■a■useful■checklist■at■the■start■to■make■sure■you■have■included■everything.

You■send■the■completed■forms,■together■with■the■fee,■to■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian.■It■checks■the■form■is■accurately■completed■and■that■any■special■provisions■−■for■example,■restrictions■on■what■the■attorney■is■allowed■to■do■−■are■workable■in■practice.■If■there■are■errors■or■problems,■the■form■will■be■returned.

Notifications■are■sent■to■the■people■as■listed■in■the■form■to■be■notified■about■the■registration.■They■are■asked■to■submit■any■objections.

If■there■are■none,■registration■goes■ahead.■The■process■takes■at■least■eleven■weeks.

Letting■someone■else■take■over■your■affairs■is■a■major■decision■and■you■should■make■sure■you■understand■all■the■implications.■You■may■want■to■get■advice■from■a■solicitor■if■you■think■your■affairs■are■complicated■−■see Useful contacts.

Cancelling a lasting power of attorneyWhile■you■still■have■mental■capacity,■you■can■cancel■a■lasting■power■of■attorney■at■any■time.■It■is■best■to■do■this■by■drawing■up■a■written■deed■of■revocation.

If■your■power■of■attorney■has■been■registered,■you■will■need■to■tell■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■about■the■revocation■and■it■will■remove■the■entry■from■the■register.

After■you■have■lost■capacity,■the■lasting■power■of■attorney■can■only■be■cancelled■with■the■agreement■of■the■Court■of■Protection■−■see■Useful contacts.

Registration and costsIt■costs■nothing■to■draw■up■a■lasting■power■of■attorney,■unless■you■want■to■employ■the■help■of■a■solicitor.■However,■a■lasting■power■of■attorney■cannot■be■used■until■it■is■registered.

You■can■register■a■lasting■power■■of■attorney■at■any■time■but■it■is■recommended■that■you■do■this■well■before■your■attorney■needs■to■take■over■your■affairs.■This■is■because■immediate■registration■allows■any■errors■in■the■lasting■power■of■attorney■to■be■identified■at■a■time■when■they■can■be■corrected.■Waiting■to■register■until■you■lose■capacity■means■it■is■less■likely■you■would■be■in■a■position■to■make■a■fresh,■error-free■lasting■power■of■attorney■if■required.


The■registration■fee■in■England■and■Wales■is■£120■for■each■lasting■power■of■attorney.■The■fee■may■change■so■it’s■a■good■idea■to■check■the■current■fee■with■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian.

Pre-October 2007 arrangementsIn■England■and■Wales,■you■may■have■set■up■a■power■of■attorney■before■■1■October■2007,■in■which■case■it■is■called■an■enduring■power■of■attorney.■You■can■no■longer■set■up■this■type■of■power.■However,■an■existing■enduring■power■is■still■valid.

An■enduring■power■of■attorney■can■be■used■without■registration■provided■you■still■have■mental■capacity.■But■it■must■be■registered■as■soon■as■you■start■to■lose■capacity.■The■registration■fee■is■£120.■The■fee■may■change■so■it’s■a■good■idea■to■check■the■current■fee■with■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian.

Variations across the UK Scotland■uses■a■similar■system■of■power■of■attorney■to■England■and■Wales■but■the■names■are■different.

A■continuing■power■of■attorney■in■Scotland■is■equivalent■to■a■property■■and■affairs■lasting■power■of■attorney.

A■welfare■power■of■attorney■is■equivalent■to■a■personal■welfare■lasting■power■of■attorney.

Scotland■has■its■own■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■where■you■register■your■documents■−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.

The■fee■for■registration■is■£70■for■each■power.

In■Northern Ireland,■you■can■set■up■an■enduring■power■of■attorney,■which■is■similar■to■the■English■property■and■affairs■lasting■power■of■attorney.

There■is■no■equivalent■to■the■personal■welfare■lasting■power■of■attorney.

While■you■have■mental■capacity,■an■enduring■power■can■be■used■without■being■registered.■But■if■you■start■to■lose■capacity,■your■attorney■must■register■it■with■the■Office■of■Care■and■Protection■−■see■Useful contacts.

The■registration■fee■is■£115.

18�

Taking over someone’s affairs and other ways to helpIf■someone■close■to■you■lacks■mental■capacity,■you■may■have■to■manage■their■money■for■them.■You■may■also■want■to■make■financial■arrangements■so■that■they■will■continue■to■get■the■support■they■need■even■if■you■are■no■longer■able■to■help.

Acting as attorneyYou■may■have■been■asked■if■you■will■take■on■the■role■of■attorney■when■someone■close■to■you■loses■mental■capacity.■This■is■an■important■task.■Don’t■underestimate■the■time■and■effort■it■may■take.■You■will■be■responsible■for■managing■their■income,■bills,■tax■and■other■financial■matters,■such■as■taking■out■insurance,■and■buying■and■selling■investments■and■property.

While■the■person■you■will■be■helping■still■has■mental■capacity,■discuss■their■affairs■with■them■and■make■sure■you■know■where■to■find■their■paperwork.

You■can■find■useful■guidance■on■being■an■attorney■on■the■website■of■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■–■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.

Acting as deputyA■person■must■have■mental■capacity■■at■the■time■they■set■up■a■power■of■attorney.■It■is■too■late■if■they■have■already■lost■capacity.■And■someone■with,■say,■a■severe■learning■disability■may■never■have■the■capacity■to■manage■their■own■money.

However,■you■can■apply■to■take■over■their■financial■affairs.■You■will■then■have■largely■the■same■powers■and■duties■as■an■attorney.

In■England and Wales,■you■apply■to■be■appointed■as■a■deputy■by■contacting■the■Court■of■Protection■which■can■provide■the■forms■and■guidance■that■you■need■−■see■Useful contacts.

Scotland■has■its■own■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■and■you■will■be■called■■a■guardian■rather■than■a■deputy■–■see■Useful contacts.

In■Northern Ireland,■you■apply■to■the■Office■for■Care■and■Protection■to■■be■appointed■as■a■controller■–■see■Useful contacts.


Using a trustYou■may■want■to■ensure■that■someone■who■cannot■manage■their■money■gets■the■support■they■need■even■when■you■are■no■longer■able■to■help■them.■The■solution■may■be■to■set■up■a■trust.

A■trust■is■a■legal■arrangement■where■one■or■more■people■or■a■company■(called■the■trustees)■owns■money■or■assets■(called■the■trust■property)■which■they■must■use■for■the■benefit■of■one■or■more■people■(the■beneficiaries).

When you might use a trustA■trust■can■be■especially■useful■if■you■want■to■ensure■that,■say,■a■son■or■daughter■with■a■mental■health■condition■or■learning■disability■carries■on■being■financially■provided■for■even■after■you■have■passed■away.■You■can■make■a■gift■of■money,■investments■or■other■assets■to■the■trust.

A■trust■can■also■be■useful■if■the■person■with■a■mental■health■condition■or■learning■disability■is■claiming■State■benefits,■such■as■Disability■Living■Allowance,■or■cash■help■from■their■local■social■services■department■to■buy■care■services.■These■payments■can■be■made■to■the■trustees■who■can■then■spend■them■for■the■benefit■of■the■claimant.

How to set up a trustThe■legal■wording■of■a■trust■needs■to■be■precise,■so■you■usually■ask■a■solicitor■to■set■it■up.■This■may■cost■around■£1,000■or■more.■It■may■be■possible■to■pay■the■cost■out■of■social■services■payments.

Usually■the■trustees■are■family■members■or■close■friends.■Alternatively,■you■can■appoint■a■company,■such■as■a■bank■or■firm■of■solicitors,■but■it■will■charge.

Key points ■ While you have mental capacity, consider setting up a lasting power of attorney so that someone can take over your affairs later on.

■ If someone already lacks mental capacity, you can ask to be appointed as their deputy so you can take over managing their affairs.

■ Putting money and other assets into a trust can help to ensure a person with a mental health condition is financially provided for.

20�

When considering setting up a lasting power of attorney:Check that you choose a person to act as your attorney who

you trust completely. It is a good idea to name one or more replacement attorneys who would take over if your first choice died or could no longer act for you.

Check that whoever you choose as your attorney is willing to act for you. It is a good idea to talk over your affairs with them, so that they know what is involved, what your wishes would be and where to find your paperwork, including the power of attorney.

Check that you read the Office of the Public Guardian’s guidance carefully and fill in the power of attorney form correctly. Use the checklist at the start to make sure you have included everything.

Check that you or the attorney registers the power of attorney in good time. It takes at least eleven weeks to register and even if you have already lost mental capacity, your attorney would not be able to act for you during that time.

Your questions answeredQuestionIt’s hard to use a PIN when I pay by debit card. Will the shop let me sign for the payment instead?

AnswerNot■if■you■have■a■‘chip■and■PIN’■card.■Sales■assistants■must■follow■the■instructions■given■by■the■card■reader.■■If■you■insert■a■chip■and■PIN■card,■the■assistant■has■no■choice■but■to■ask■you■to■enter■your■PIN.

If■you■would■find■it■easier■to■sign■instead,■you■will■need■to■ask■your■card■provider■to■issue■you■with■a■‘chip■and■signature’■card.■

QuestionI’ve been asked to show proof of identity when I use a chip and signature card. Is that right?

AnswerNo.■Shops■and■other■retailers■should■not■ask■you■for■proof■of■identity.■Your■signature■alone■should■be■enough■to■authorise■the■payment.■


22�

QuestionI have set up an ordinary power of attorney – do I have to register it?

AnswerNo.■The■aim■of■registration■is■to■protect■people■who■have■lost■mental■capacity.■An■ordinary■power■of■attorney■stops■being■valid■if■that■happens,■so■does■not■need■to■be■registered.

QuestionMy son has learning difficulties and wants a bank account. But what if he goes overdrawn?

AnswerThere■are■different■types■of■bank■account.■He■could■choose■a■‘basic■bank■account’.■This■has■a■limited■range■of■features■and■does■not■include■an■overdraft.■The■amount■in■the■account■will■normally■be■checked■each■time■your■son■wants■to■draw■money■out■or■pay■a■bill,■so■that■he■should■not■be■able■spend■more■than■he■has■in■the■account.

For■more■information■see■our■Basic bank accounts■guide■–■see Useful contacts■on■page■29.


QuestionAs an attorney, can I make gifts on behalf of the person whose affairs I am managing?

AnswerUnless■the■power■of■attorney■specifically■restricts■your■right■to■do■this,■you■can■make■some,■limited■gifts.

These■are■charitable■donations,■and■gifts■to■relatives■and■close■friends,■and■birthday,■wedding■and■similar■gifts■that■the■person■would■usually■have■made.

The■gifts■must■be■appropriate■to■the■amount■of■money■the■person■has.

QuestionMy husband has dementia. I’m worried that if he dies I may lose our home which is in his name. Can my husband or his attorney make a will leaving it to me?

AnswerIf■your■husband■does■not■have■mental■capacity,■he■cannot■write■a■will.■

He■may■have■set■up■a■lasting,■continuing■or■enduring■power■of■attorney■that■has■now■come■into■effect,■but■an■attorney■does■not■have■the■power■to■write■a■will■on■behalf■of■the■person■whose■affairs■they■are■managing.

It■seems■likely,■if■your■husband■dies,■that■his■estate■will■be■distributed■under■the■law■of■intestacy■(statutory■rules■that■apply■when■there■is■no■will).■This■favours■a■husband,■wife,■civil■partner■and■children,■so■you■may■find■you■are■able■to■keep■your■home.■Contact■a■solicitor■for■more■information■−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.■You■should■also■consider■applying■to■the■Court■of■Protection■for■a■statutory■will.

Next steps

Step 1 See if there are ways to rearrange your finances − such as setting up Direct Debits − that would make managing your money easier – see page 6.

Step 1 Check out the ways that you could help − see page 10.

Step 2 Think about whether there is someone you trust who could help you − for example by operating your bank account under a third-party mandate – see page 7.

Step 2 If they have previously set up a lasting power of attorney*, is it time for the attorney to step in? If there is no power of attorney, consider whether you should apply to the Court of Protection* to be appointed as a deputy − see page 14.

Step 3 Consider whether to draw up a lasting power of attorney now (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland), that would come into effect later if you could no longer manage your money − see page 15.

If you are finding it difficult to manage your money

If you want to help someone manage their money

* Or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland – see page 14

24�


If things go wrongProblems with banks and financial firmsIf■you■have■a■complaint,■first■contact■the■bank■or■other■firm■to■get■it■resolved.

If■you■are■unhappy■with■their■response,■you■may■be■able■to■take■your■complaint■to■the■Financial■Ombudsman■Service.■Get■a■copy■of■our■Making a complaint■guide■−■see Useful contacts■on■page■29.

You■may■want■to■ask■someone■you■trust■to■help■you■make■your■complaint.

If you suspect abuse or fraudPeople■who■find■it■hard■to■manage■their■money■may■be■especially■vulnerable■to■fraud■or■other■types■of■abuse.

If■you■think■someone■is■in■immediate■danger,■report■it■to■the■police.

Problems with attorneysThe■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■and■the■equivalent■bodies■in■Scotland■and■Northern■Ireland■aim■to■protect■the■interests■of■people■who■lack■mental■capacity.

The■Court■of■Protection,■and■equivalent■courts■in■Scotland■and■Northern■Ireland,■can■settle■disputes■concerning■their■interests.

Before■a■power■of■attorney■is■registered,■the■person■applying■to■register■the■Lasting■Power■of■Attorney■contacts■people■named■in■the■power■−■usually■family■and■possibly■close■friends■−■to■check■whether■there■are■any■objections■to■the■power■going■ahead■and■the■attorney■(or■attorneys)■being■appointed.

If■you■think■the■arrangement■is■not■going■to■work■in■the■best■interests■of■the■person■who■drew■up■the■power■of■attorney,■you■should■make■your■objections■known.

26�

If■you■are■acting■as■an■attorney■and■suspect■that■a■fellow■attorney■is■not■acting■in■the■best■interests■of■the■person■who■granted■the■power■of■attorney,■you■should■first■discuss■the■matter■with■your■fellow■attorney.■If■this■does■not■resolve■the■matter,■you■can■report■the■problem■to■the■Office■of■the■Public■Guardian■who■will■investigate■−■see■Useful contacts■on■page■29.

Similarly,■if■you■are■a■family■member■■or■friend■and■have■evidence■that■an■attorney■is■not■acting■in■the■best■interests■of■the■person■who■granted■■the■power,■you■can■notify■the■Office■■of■the■Public■Guardian.

What if an attorney dies?If■your■power■of■attorney■names■one■or■more■replacement■attorneys,■they■take■over,■or■if■your■attorneys■were■appointed■to■act■jointly■and■individually,■the■surviving■attorney■may■continue■to■act.

If■there■are■no■replacements,■the■power■of■attorney■can■no■longer■be■used.

What if there is no power of attorney and no-one who can act as a deputy?The■Court■of■Protection■can■appoint■someone■from■the■Panel■of■Deputies■■to■act■as■a■deputy■and■manage■the■financial■affairs■of■someone■who■has■lost■mental■capacity.■The■panel■deputy■will■charge■a■fee■for■this■service.


Jargon buster

AttorneyA■person■who■is■given■the■legal■power■to■manage■someone■else’s■affairs■on■their■behalf.

Continuing power of attorneyA■legal■arrangement■in■Scotland■giving■someone■else■the■power■to■manage■a■person’s■financial■affairs.■It■starts■or■continues■even■if■the■person■loses■mental■capacity.

Credit unionAn■organisation■that■lets■you■save■and■borrow■money.■They■are■owned■and■run■by■their■members,■for■their■members.■Membership■depends■on■people■having■a■common■bond.

Some■credit■unions■provide■additional■services,■such■as■bill■payment■direct■from■the■account.

Enduring power of attorney (EPA)A■legal■arrangement■in■Northern■Ireland■(and■in■England■and■Wales■before■■1■October■2007),■giving■someone■else■the■power■to■manage■a■person’s■financial■affairs.■It■starts■or■continues■even■if■the■person■loses■mental■capacity.

IntestateWhen■someone■dies■without■having■written■a■will.

Lack of mental capacityBeing■unable■to■make■a■specific■decision■for■yourself■because■of■a■temporary■or■permanent■impairment■or■disturbance■of■your■mind■or■brain.

Some key words and phrases explained.

28�

Lasting power of attorney (LPA)A■legal■arrangement■in■England■and■Wales■giving■someone■else■the■power■to■manage■a■person’s■affairs■on■their■behalf.■It■starts■or■continues■even■if■the■person■loses■mental■capacity.

Mental capacityThe■ability■to■make■a■decision■for■yourself.■You■are■assumed■to■have■mental■capacity■unless■it■can■be■■shown■otherwise.

Ordinary power of attorneyA■legal■arrangement■giving■someone■else■the■power■to■manage■a■person’s■financial■affairs■on■their■behalf,■usually■for■a■set■period.■It■automatically■stops■if■the■person■loses■mental■capacity.

Personal identification number (PIN)A■security■code■used■with■a■plastic■card■to■withdraw■cash■from■a■bank■or■other■account■or■to■authorise■payments■from■the■account.

Post Office® Card AccountAn■account■into■which■State■benefits■can■be■automatically■paid■and■withdrawn■in■cash■at■post■office■branches.■The■account■offers■no■other■banking■services.

Third-party mandateAn■arrangement■with■a■bank■or■other■account■provider■to■accept■instructions■from■someone■else■on■behalf■of■the■account■holder.


Useful contacts

Money Advice ServiceFor■advice■based■on■your■own■circumstances■or■to■order■other■guides

Money Advice Line: 0300■500■5000■Typetalk:■1800■1■0300■500■5000

Calls■should■cost■no■more■than■01■or■02■UK-wide■calls,■and■are■included■in■inclusive■mobile■and■landline■minutes.■To■help■us■maintain■and■improve■our■service,■we■■may■record■or■monitor■calls.

Other Money Advice Service guides■■ Basic■bank■accounts■

■■ Getting■financial■advice

■■ Making■the■most■of■your■money

■■ Problems■paying■your■mortgage

■■ Your■bank■account

■■ Your■pension■–■it’s■time■to■choose

For■more■titles,■call■us■or■go■to■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/publications

On the Money Advice Service website you can find:

■■ a■health check■to■help■you■build■up■some■good■financial■habits■and■reach■your■goals

■■ a■budget planner■to■help■you■work■out■your■spending,■and

■■ comparison tables■for■savings■accounts■and■other■products.

Go■to■moneyadviceservice.org.uk/interactive

Call rates to the following organisations may vary – check with your telephone provider.

Bank and building society accounts

British Bankers’ Association (BBA)www.bba.org.uk

Guide:■Banking■for■people■who■lack■capacity■to■make■decisions■(separate■guides■for■England/Wales■and■Scotland)

Leaflet:■Disability■law■

Leaflet:■You■and■your■joint■account

30�

Building Societies Association (BSA)

www.bsa.org.uk

Guide:■You■and■your■joint■account

Making Money Easierwww.making-money-easier.info

Guide:■The■Easy■Picture■Guide■■to■Banking■

Mental Health Foundation020■7803■1101■www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Guide:■Banking■on■good■decisions■Available■in■Easier■Read

■

Benefits advice

Citizens Advice Bureau (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)See■phone■book■www.citizensadvice.org.uk (England■and■Wales)■www.citizensadvice.co.uk (Northern■Ireland)

Citizens Advice ScotlandSee■phone■book

www.cas.org.uk

Money Advice ScotlandTel:■0141■572■0237■www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk

Advice NI (Northern Ireland)Tel:■028■9064■5919■www.adviceni.net

DirectgovGovernment■benefits■adviser■tool

www.direct.gov.uk/benefitsadviser

The Pensions, Disability and Carers ServiceBenefit■Enquiry■Line■0800■882■200■Textphone■0800■243■355


State benefits – to arrange automated credit transfer (also called ‘direct payment’)

Contact■the■Jobcentre■Plus■or■Pension■Service■office■dealing■with■your■claim.

Money Carer FoundationContact■through■your■local■council■social■services■department■or■other■professional■care■worker.

Offers■low-cost,■independent■money■management■services,■such■as■receiving■income,■paying■bills■and■issuing■purchasing■allowances■to■carers.

Court of Protection (England and Wales)0300■456■4600■www.direct.gov.uk

Office of Care and Protection (Northern Ireland)028■9072■4733■www.courtsni.gov.uk

Guide:■Dealing■with■the■financial■affairs■of■the■mentally■ill

Guide:■Enduring■power■of■attorney

Planning■for■the■future

■

For information about lasting powers of attorneyOffice of the Public Guardian (England and Wales)

0300■456■0300■www.direct.gov.uk/mentalcapacity www.direct.gov.uk/lparegistration

Guide:■Making■a■lasting■power■of■attorney

Guide:■Mental■Capacity■Act■(2005):■Code■of■practice

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)01324■678■300■www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk

Guide:■A■guide■to■making■a■power■■of■attorney

32�

■

Credit union − to find one

Find your credit unionTo■find■a■credit■union■in■England,■Scotland■and■Wales

www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk

Irish League of Credit UnionsTo■find■a■credit■union■in■Northern■Ireland

www.creditunion.ie

Ulster Federation of Credit UnionsTo■find■a■credit■union■in■Northern■Ireland

www.ufcu.co.uk

■

Solicitor − to find one

Law Society of England and WalesFollow■the■link■to■find■a■Solicitor

020■7742■1222■www.lawsociety.org.uk

Law Society of ScotlandFollow■the■link■to■find■a■Solicitor

0131■226■7411■www.lawscot.org.uk

Law Society of Northern IrelandFollow■the■link■to■Solicitors■Directory

028■9023■1614■www.lawsoc-ni.org


■

Financial services

Financial Services Authority (FSA)To■check■a■firm■is■authorised

0845■606■1234■www.fsa.gov.uk/fsaregister

Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS)To■find■an■adviser■or■firm■that■will■manage■your■investments■for■you■(discretionary■management■investment■service).

020■7448■7100■www.apcims.co.uk

Financial Ombudsman ServiceFor■complaints■resolution

0800■023■4567■or■0300■123■9123■www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

This guide is part of our everyday money series.Other titles in this series include:

■■ Borrowing■money■■ Insurance■■ Making■your■budget■work■for■you

All our guides are available from:

Our website moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Money Advice Line 0300 500 5000

If■you■would■like■this■guide■■in■Braille,■large■print■or■audio■format,■please■call■us■on■■0300■500■5000■or■Typetalk■■on■1800■1■0300■500■5000.Calls■should■cost■no■more■than■01■or■02■UK-wide■calls,■and■are■included■in■inclusive■mobile■and■landline■minutes.■To■help■us■maintain■and■improve■our■service,■we■■may■record■or■monitor■calls.

July■2011

©■Money■Advice■Service■July■2011■Ref:■VRSN0023a■

Produced■in■collaboration■with■the

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