Utilities, council tax and bills
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
The unglamorous half of being an attorney. Doing it in one sweep saves months of chasing.
The notification sweep
- Energy, water, phone, broadband and TV licence — register as attorney and ask for the Priority Services Register.
- Council tax — ask about the severe mental impairment discount and single person discount.
- Home and contents insurance — declare any change of occupancy.
- Subscriptions and memberships — cancel what the donor no longer uses.
Money you may be leaving unclaimed
- Council tax severe mental impairment discount, which can be backdated.
- Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment.
- Attendance Allowance — see attorney and benefits.
- Water company social tariffs and metered assistance schemes.
Keep the trail
One folder, one spreadsheet
Record each provider, account number, who you spoke to and when they accepted the LPA. It is the fastest thing you will ever thank yourself for. See attorney record keeping.
Common questions
Can bills be paid from my account and reclaimed?
Better not. Pay from the donor's account. If you must pay first, keep the receipt and reclaim it as a documented expense.
Do I need to send the LPA to everyone?
Most providers accept a certified copy; some accept a scan. Order several certified copies at the start.
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This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group