Powers of Attorney and their Safeguards

Mr and Mrs D, who have learning disabilities, faced years of mistreatment because their local authority failed to intervene to protect them from a family member.

Mr and Mrs D signed a power of attorney, giving Mr D's brother, Mr E, control over their welfare and finances. Although they had evidence that Mr E was treating the couple badly, the council did not act. We investigated and made recommendations for a range of agencies.