The Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland) plays an essential role in protecting adults who may need support with managing their financial affairs or welfare decisions. It deals with a wide range of matters, including the registration of powers of attorney, guardianship orders, intervention orders and access to funds applications.
At the moment, waiting times for some services, particularly powers of attorney, are longer than anyone would like. The OPG’s update for the week commencing 11 May 2026 confirmed that it was processing electronic power of attorney submissions received around 21 March 2025, and postal submissions received around 29 May 2025.
Understandably, these timescales can feel worrying, especially for families who are trying to put arrangements in place for an elderly parent, a vulnerable relative, or someone whose health is changing. However, the most important message is a positive one: there are still practical steps that can be taken, and the earlier advice is sought, the better.
A power of attorney is not just a document for later life. It is a sensible planning tool for adults of all ages. It allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions or act on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Once a Scottish power of attorney is signed, it must be registered with the OPG before it can be used.
The current delays mean that it is more important than ever not to leave matters until there is a crisis. Putting a power of attorney in place early can help avoid urgent situations later, particularly if decisions need to be made about care, hospital discharge, property, bills, bank accounts or care home fees.
It is also reassuring that the OPG continues to provide updates on current processing times and has recognised the difficulties caused by the backlog. The OPG has said it is taking steps to reduce waiting times, and a new case management system was launched as part of its wider digital transformation work.
For genuinely urgent cases, there is also an expedited registration service. The OPG gives examples of urgent circumstances, such as where the person has lost capacity and urgent decisions are needed, has been admitted to hospital, needs to move into care, is at risk of financial harm, or requires a financial assessment following hospital discharge. At present, expedited requests are taking around ten working days to process.
At Gibson Kerr, we regularly assist clients with powers of attorney, guardianship and related matters involving the OPG. We understand the pressures families can face when trying to make arrangements for a loved one, and we work carefully to ensure documents are prepared properly and submitted as smoothly as possible.
Although waiting times are currently long, early planning can make a real difference. Taking advice now can help reduce the risk of avoidable delay, ensure the right people are appointed, and give families peace of mind that arrangements are in hand before they are urgently needed.
If you would like advice about putting a power of attorney in place, or if you are concerned about a family member who may need support, our team would be happy to help.
DISCLAIMER
The content of this page is for information only. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice. Gibson Kerr Ltd accepts no responsibility for the content of any third party website to which this webpage refers. Gibson Kerr Ltd is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland.