Why We Need More Martins and Kates: The Crucial Role of Advocacy in Raising Awareness of Lasting Power of Attorney

By Matt Cresswell, Founder of Power of Attorney Online, a digital tool that helps individuals and families complete their LPA applications accurately and affordably, with clear support every step of the way.

 

In a world where life admin is becoming increasingly digital, streamlined, and automated, it’s striking how few people have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). According to research, only 22%  of the adult UK population has an LPA in place, a statistic that is both surprising and concerning.

For many, it remains an abstract legal concept, something to be sorted “later,” filed away in the same mental drawer as wills and pensions. Yet, the reality is that LPAs are critical documents that can save families time, stress, and thousands of pounds in legal fees. That’s why high-profile advocates like Martin Lewis and Kate Garraway play such a vital role in changing the conversation around LPAs.

 

Martin Lewis: The Financial Educator We Need

 

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has long been a household name when it comes to financial literacy. Known for his consumer-first approach and no-nonsense financial advice, Martin has not shied away from discussing LPAs. He has repeatedly urged his audience to consider setting one up, particularly highlighting the dangers of assuming your partner or family can automatically make decisions for you in the event of incapacity.

What makes Martin’s advocacy particularly powerful is his ability to translate complex financial and legal concepts into relatable, urgent calls to action. His influence reaches millions via TV, radio, and social media, helping to demystify LPAs and encourage action. His straightforward message, that “an LPA is as important as a will”, has helped bring the issue into mainstream discourse.

 

Kate Garraway: A Personal Story That Resonated Nationwide

 

While Martin Lewis appeals to logic and financial foresight, Kate Garraway offers a deeply emotional and human perspective. When her husband Derek Draper fell seriously ill with COVID-19, Kate found herself unable to access his bank accounts, make decisions about his care, or even manage basic utilities in his name, all because they hadn’t set up an LPA.

Her story struck a chord with millions. It showed that LPAs aren’t just for the elderly or terminally ill: they’re essential for anyone who wants to protect their family from legal and financial distress in times of crisis. Kate’s public struggle helped break down stigmas and misconceptions about LPAs, especially among younger audiences who may not realise their vulnerability.

 

 

Why Their Advocacy Matters

 

The combined influence of Martin Lewis and Kate Garraway is a powerful catalyst for change. Martin brings authority and clarity, while Kate brings emotional gravity. Together, they reach both the head and the heart, prompting individuals to think practically and empathetically about future planning.

Their platforms give them the ability to reach a broad and diverse audience, including those who may not otherwise consider setting up an LPA. Their real-life stories and actionable advice help normalise these conversations, making the legal and administrative process feel more approachable.

 

The Broader Impact On Society And Healthcare

 

When more people have LPAs in place, the benefits extend beyond individual families. It reduces strain on the NHS and social care systems by ensuring that medical decisions can be made quickly and in accordance with the patient’s wishes. It also eases the burden on the Court of Protection, which currently has to intervene when no LPA exists and is breaking under the strain, as highlighted in the recent Office of the Public Guardian Annual report.

High-profile advocacy doesn’t just raise awareness, it drives behaviour change. The more LPAs are seen as a standard part of adult life, the more we can ensure that everyone’s rights, dignity and wishes are respected, even when they can’t speak for themselves.

Martin Lewis and Kate Garraway have helped bring LPAs out of the shadows and into the public consciousness. Their stories, one rooted in financial wisdom, the other in lived experience, make a compelling case for why setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney should be a priority for every adult in the UK.

Their advocacy is a reminder that LPAs are not just a legal formality, they’re an essential act of love, foresight and protection for the people we care about most.