{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T11%3A45%3A21.3620829Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T12%3A42%3A48.1830911Z&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2019-06-18T15%3A02%3A18.803Z", "definition" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?min-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T11%3A45%3A21.3620829Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T12%3A42%3A48.1830911Z&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2019-06-18T15%3A02%3A18.803Z", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T11%3A45%3A21.3620829Z&_metadata=all&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T12%3A42%3A48.1830911Z&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2019-06-18T15%3A02%3A18.803Z", "first" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T11%3A45%3A21.3620829Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T12%3A42%3A48.1830911Z&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2019-06-18T15%3A02%3A18.803Z", "hasPart" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T11%3A45%3A21.3620829Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T12%3A42%3A48.1830911Z&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2019-06-18T15%3A02%3A18.803Z", "isPartOf" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T11%3A45%3A21.3620829Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-10-20T12%3A42%3A48.1830911Z&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2019-06-18T15%3A02%3A18.803Z", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/93459", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/93459/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The latest information published by the Pensions Regulator on 9 October 2014 showed that more than 33,660 employers have completed the automatic enrolment process and 4.75 million eligible workers have been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/220", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Steve Webb"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thornbury and Yate"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Steve Webb"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T11:45:21.3620829Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have been enrolled under automatic enrolment into workplace pensions scheme since the inception of that scheme.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1409", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Londonderry"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Gregory Campbell"} ], "uin" : "210625"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/93657", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/93657/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Advanced Stop Lines are currently permitted for use at permanent signal junctions only. The revisions to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions scheduled for March 2015 will allow their use with temporary traffic lights, but there will be practical issues to consider as many are only in place for a short time.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1562", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Robert Goodwill"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Scarborough and Whitby"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Robert Goodwill"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:38:31.9102166Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Traffic Lights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department plans to give permission to (a) Transport for London and (b) any local authority to introduce adcance stop lines at temporary traffic lights.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3931", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Julian Huppert"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cambridge"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Julian Huppert"} ], "uin" : "210686"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/93658", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/93658/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The impact assessments of the changes consider the effect of the speed limit change on single carriageways, and possible change on dual carriageways on actual behaviour in terms of speeds driven. They do not specifically consider drivers\u2019 perceptions of speed.<\/p>

<\/p>

One effect noted in these assessments is that there will be many fewer heavy goods vehicles breaking the higher speed limits, making targeted enforcement of any remaining infringements easier. Enforcement resources saved due to better compliance could be used for other enforcement work, including related to local road speed limits, subject to local policing decisions.<\/p>

<\/p>

With regard to the conduct of vocational drivers in relation to their driving licences, the intention is to view breaking the higher speed limits as a higher risk factor than the current infringements. The senior traffic commissioner plans to consult on revised guidance during the coming months.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3974", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Claire Perry"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Devizes"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Claire Perry"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:42:48.1830911Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Large Goods Vehicles: Speed Limits"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the increase in HGV speed limits on single and dual carriageways on (a) drivers' perceptions of speed and (b) enforcement of speed limits.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/301", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Richard Burden"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Northfield"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Richard Burden"} ], "uin" : "210666"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92900", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92900/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Details of the number of Post Office card accounts opened and closed in each of the last 10 years are below:<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p><\/td>

Opened<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Closed<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Oct 04 -Mar 05<\/p><\/td>

1,154,012<\/p><\/td>

38,303<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 05- Mar 06<\/p><\/td>

176,180<\/p><\/td>

348,291<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 06- Mar 07<\/p><\/td>

148,422<\/p><\/td>

320,478<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 07 - Mar 08<\/p><\/td>

132,322<\/p><\/td>

320,922<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 08 -Mar 09<\/p><\/td>

153,431<\/p><\/td>

341,879<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 09 - Sept 09<\/p><\/td>

77,677<\/p><\/td>

168,861<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Oct 09 - Mar 10<\/p><\/td>

78,692<\/p><\/td>

256,177<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 10 - Mar 11<\/p><\/td>

109,573<\/p><\/td>

465,574<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 11 -Mar 12<\/p><\/td>

102,683<\/p><\/td>

315,729<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 12- Mar13<\/p><\/td>

104,145<\/p><\/td>

302,692<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 13 -Mar 14<\/p><\/td>

50,764<\/p><\/td>

298,230<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Apr 14- Sept 14<\/p><\/td>

17,995<\/p><\/td>

148,520<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/220", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Steve Webb"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thornbury and Yate"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Steve Webb"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:00:18.074153Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Post Office Card Account"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Post Office card accounts have been (a) opened and (b) closed in each of the last 10 years.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3964", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Fiona O'Donnell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Lothian"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Fiona O'Donnell"} ], "uin" : "210216"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92620", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92620/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The DS1500 is used to support claims to a range of benefits from people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness by a healthcare professional. In line with our aim to continuously improve the service provided to people who are terminally ill, the Department works with a range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and support organisations, such as MacMillan Cancer Support, to identify and introduce improvements.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1520", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Mark Harper"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Forest of Dean"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Mark Harper"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T11:52:39.9138466Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Palliative Care"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department has taken to work with other government departments and local service providers to support better people at the end of life by use of the DS1500 form.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/394", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Clive Betts"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield South East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Clive Betts"} ], "uin" : "210009"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92677", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92677/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Government is committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable people, and to making sure that anyone responsible for abuse is dealt with appropriately.<\/p>

The Public Guardian has power to investigate cases where concerns are raised about the actions of a person or persons acting under a registered power of attorney, and to apply to the Court to revoke the power of attorney where necessary to prevent abuse. The Public Guardian can also refer cases to health and care authorities, who can act under statutory safeguarding powers to protect an individual who may be at risk, and to the police if he suspects a criminal offence has been committed.<\/p>

Anyone who suspects that someone acting under a registered power of attorney is abusing that position should report any suspicion of abuse immediately to the Office of the Public Guardian by:<\/p>

Email OPG.Safeguardingunit@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk<\/a>. or<\/p>

Telephone: 0300 456 0300<\/p>

A power of attorney is a private arrangement where the donor chooses who they wish to appoint and therefore the Government feels that State intervention in this process should be limited. The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application process has been designed so that anyone can complete and register an LPA without the need for professional advice, though with significant safeguards (such as the need for a certificate provider to confirm that the donor has capacity and is not under duress) to cut down on fraud and abuse.<\/p>

LPAs also have to be registered prior to use, which is a change from previous Enduring Powers of Attorney which only had to be registered when the donor lost capacity. In the year 2013/14, the Office of the Public Guardian registered 311,000 powers of attorney.<\/p>

Requiring individuals to attend court to swear an oath would place a significant strain on court resources (as there is often more than one attorney for each power) and is likely to mean that individuals will feel that they need legal advice to assist them, which would incur legal fees. There might also be an increase in the cost of registering a power to cover the Court cost, which may lead to people not making LPAs, and therefore not being able to make provision for the future.<\/p>

Under sections 22 and 23 of the Mental Capacity Act, the Court of Protection has wide-ranging powers to decide on issues relating to the operation or validity of an LPA.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/194", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Hughes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bermondsey and Old Southwark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Simon Hughes"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "209849"} , {"_value" : "209850"} , {"_value" : "209854"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:13:04.8189743Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Powers of Attorney"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will assess the merits of the court system assuming responsibility for reviewing power of attorney judgements.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/410", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jon Trickett"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hemsworth"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jon Trickett"} ], "uin" : "209861"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92679", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92679/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Government is committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable people, and to making sure that anyone responsible for abuse is dealt with appropriately.<\/p>

The Public Guardian has power to investigate cases where concerns are raised about the actions of a person or persons acting under a registered power of attorney, and to apply to the Court to revoke the power of attorney where necessary to prevent abuse. The Public Guardian can also refer cases to health and care authorities, who can act under statutory safeguarding powers to protect an individual who may be at risk, and to the police if he suspects a criminal offence has been committed.<\/p>

Anyone who suspects that someone acting under a registered power of attorney is abusing that position should report any suspicion of abuse immediately to the Office of the Public Guardian by:<\/p>

Email OPG.Safeguardingunit@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk<\/a>. or<\/p>

Telephone: 0300 456 0300<\/p>

A power of attorney is a private arrangement where the donor chooses who they wish to appoint and therefore the Government feels that State intervention in this process should be limited. The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application process has been designed so that anyone can complete and register an LPA without the need for professional advice, though with significant safeguards (such as the need for a certificate provider to confirm that the donor has capacity and is not under duress) to cut down on fraud and abuse.<\/p>

LPAs also have to be registered prior to use, which is a change from previous Enduring Powers of Attorney which only had to be registered when the donor lost capacity. In the year 2013/14, the Office of the Public Guardian registered 311,000 powers of attorney.<\/p>

Requiring individuals to attend court to swear an oath would place a significant strain on court resources (as there is often more than one attorney for each power) and is likely to mean that individuals will feel that they need legal advice to assist them, which would incur legal fees. There might also be an increase in the cost of registering a power to cover the Court cost, which may lead to people not making LPAs, and therefore not being able to make provision for the future.<\/p>

Under sections 22 and 23 of the Mental Capacity Act, the Court of Protection has wide-ranging powers to decide on issues relating to the operation or validity of an LPA.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/194", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Hughes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bermondsey and Old Southwark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Simon Hughes"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "209850"} , {"_value" : "209854"} , {"_value" : "209861"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:13:04.4124497Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Powers of Attorney"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what procedures are in place for power of attorney to be removed from a person who has abused that power; and what procedures there are for people to complain about someone who has joint power of attorney who may be abusing the fund.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/410", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jon Trickett"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hemsworth"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jon Trickett"} ], "uin" : "209849"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92681", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92681/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Government is committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable people, and to making sure that anyone responsible for abuse is dealt with appropriately.<\/p>

The Public Guardian has power to investigate cases where concerns are raised about the actions of a person or persons acting under a registered power of attorney, and to apply to the Court to revoke the power of attorney where necessary to prevent abuse. The Public Guardian can also refer cases to health and care authorities, who can act under statutory safeguarding powers to protect an individual who may be at risk, and to the police if he suspects a criminal offence has been committed.<\/p>

Anyone who suspects that someone acting under a registered power of attorney is abusing that position should report any suspicion of abuse immediately to the Office of the Public Guardian by:<\/p>

Email OPG.Safeguardingunit@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk<\/a>. or<\/p>

Telephone: 0300 456 0300<\/p>

A power of attorney is a private arrangement where the donor chooses who they wish to appoint and therefore the Government feels that State intervention in this process should be limited. The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application process has been designed so that anyone can complete and register an LPA without the need for professional advice, though with significant safeguards (such as the need for a certificate provider to confirm that the donor has capacity and is not under duress) to cut down on fraud and abuse.<\/p>

LPAs also have to be registered prior to use, which is a change from previous Enduring Powers of Attorney which only had to be registered when the donor lost capacity. In the year 2013/14, the Office of the Public Guardian registered 311,000 powers of attorney.<\/p>

Requiring individuals to attend court to swear an oath would place a significant strain on court resources (as there is often more than one attorney for each power) and is likely to mean that individuals will feel that they need legal advice to assist them, which would incur legal fees. There might also be an increase in the cost of registering a power to cover the Court cost, which may lead to people not making LPAs, and therefore not being able to make provision for the future.<\/p>

Under sections 22 and 23 of the Mental Capacity Act, the Court of Protection has wide-ranging powers to decide on issues relating to the operation or validity of an LPA.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/194", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Hughes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bermondsey and Old Southwark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Simon Hughes"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "209849"} , {"_value" : "209854"} , {"_value" : "209861"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:13:04.5218231Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Powers of Attorney"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will assess the merits of requiring people applying for power of attorney to attend court and swear on oath to uphold power of attorney conditions.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/410", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jon Trickett"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hemsworth"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jon Trickett"} ], "uin" : "209850"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92686", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/92686/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Government is committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable people, and to making sure that anyone responsible for abuse is dealt with appropriately.<\/p>

The Public Guardian has power to investigate cases where concerns are raised about the actions of a person or persons acting under a registered power of attorney, and to apply to the Court to revoke the power of attorney where necessary to prevent abuse. The Public Guardian can also refer cases to health and care authorities, who can act under statutory safeguarding powers to protect an individual who may be at risk, and to the police if he suspects a criminal offence has been committed.<\/p>

Anyone who suspects that someone acting under a registered power of attorney is abusing that position should report any suspicion of abuse immediately to the Office of the Public Guardian by:<\/p>

Email OPG.Safeguardingunit@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk<\/a>. or<\/p>

Telephone: 0300 456 0300<\/p>

A power of attorney is a private arrangement where the donor chooses who they wish to appoint and therefore the Government feels that State intervention in this process should be limited. The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application process has been designed so that anyone can complete and register an LPA without the need for professional advice, though with significant safeguards (such as the need for a certificate provider to confirm that the donor has capacity and is not under duress) to cut down on fraud and abuse.<\/p>

LPAs also have to be registered prior to use, which is a change from previous Enduring Powers of Attorney which only had to be registered when the donor lost capacity. In the year 2013/14, the Office of the Public Guardian registered 311,000 powers of attorney.<\/p>

Requiring individuals to attend court to swear an oath would place a significant strain on court resources (as there is often more than one attorney for each power) and is likely to mean that individuals will feel that they need legal advice to assist them, which would incur legal fees. There might also be an increase in the cost of registering a power to cover the Court cost, which may lead to people not making LPAs, and therefore not being able to make provision for the future.<\/p>

Under sections 22 and 23 of the Mental Capacity Act, the Court of Protection has wide-ranging powers to decide on issues relating to the operation or validity of an LPA.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/194", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Hughes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bermondsey and Old Southwark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Simon Hughes"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "209849"} , {"_value" : "209850"} , {"_value" : "209861"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-20T12:13:04.7405229Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Powers of Attorney"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of funds when a (a) single and (b) joint power of attorney is obtained.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/410", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jon Trickett"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hemsworth"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jon Trickett"} ], "uin" : "209854"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 9, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }