LPA: Forum: Consider government institutional donee option for LPA

Forum: Consider government institutional donee option for LPA

https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-consider-government-institutional-donee-option-for-lpa

2026-03-20

The recent move to make Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) applications permanently free has made it easier for citizens to plan ahead in the event that they lose mental capacity. However, one practical challenge remains for some Singaporeans – identifying a suitable donee.

Many individuals today are single or part of couples without children. In such cases, appointing a friend of similar age may not provide long-term assurance. Professional donee services offered by private organisations can also be costly. One organisation quoted my wife and me a set-up fee of $4,000 a person. There were also other associated charges such as an annual fee and activation fee.

At the same time, Singapore’s demographics are changing. More people are remaining single, family sizes are smaller, and the number of seniors living alone is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Dementia cases are also projected to rise as the population ages. These trends suggest that an increasing number of Singaporeans may not have an obvious individual to appoint as their LPA donee.

One possible solution is the creation of a government institutional donee option.

Under such a model, citizens could continue appointing their own personal donee, such as a spouse or trusted individual. However, those without suitable options could choose a government-managed institutional donee.

Couples without children could nominate each other as donees while opting for a government institutional replacement donee should both parties lose mental capacity. Single individuals could appoint the institutional donee directly.

Such a system would provide continuity and safeguards through structured governance and oversight. It could also reduce reliance on court deputyship processes while giving Singaporeans greater confidence that their affairs will be managed responsibly if they lose mental capacity.

A pilot programme could be considered to study demand, operational requirements and safeguards before any broader implementation.

Strengthening the LPA framework in this way could help ensure that all Singaporeans – including singles and couples without children – have a reliable option to safeguard their future decisions.

Gary Yeo

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