Since the Act came into play, there have only been 13 successful applications. This review explores the reasons why the uptake is so low through a survey and interviews with families of long-term missing people: both those who have and have not applied to become a guardian. This report provides a series of recommendations with the aim of improving people’s access to Guardianship powers and increasing the number of people using the legislation to manage their loved ones’ affairs.

The Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 created a new legal status of guardian of the affairs of a missing person. Becoming a guardian allows families or friends to manage their missing person’s financial affairs, with a responsibility to act in their best interests. Applications can be made when a person has been missing for 90 days or longer. It means that families can step in and safeguard their loved one’s assets in their absence – for example, suspending direct debits for mobile phone and utility bills, making mortgage payments, or spending money to look after dependents.

Please read the report to find out more about our three recommendations:

1. Increased Awareness
2. Reducing economic barriers to seeking guardianship powers
3. Alternative options for managing basic financial issues for families who do not require full guardianship powers

Read the report

Read the full report via the link below

The post Missing People Releases Report into Guardianship Act Review appeared first on Missing People.