Hello
I have registered EPA for my mum. In September last year, I dutifully went along to the bank to let them know. It was evident that the bloke I saw was pretty clueless and disappeared for 20 minutes during our meeting (presumably to seek advice). This, despite me seeking assurances when the appointment was made and a few days before when I reconfirmed, that the person I saw would know what was what.
He said: "As you already have an (unreg'd) EPA for your mum, it will be fairly straightforward." I had already got a daily withdrawal limit against her account (with me being contacted if she tried to go over it) and a variety of other measures. All this to allow her some independence (doesn't live near me, is still capable of going to bank and withdrawing money, but not administering the account, if you know what I mean ... as in, "mum you're nearly £500 overdrawn" - "oh, am I? Never mind the manager will give me a call.")
Since the visit to the bank, I have had to telephone them several times when mum withdrew monies that were in excess of the limit. I was given different reasons why this had happened and apologies. Of course, as Christmas approached, mum went into 'present frenzy' unconvinced she'd bought anyone anything, she went out and bought loads of stuff, several times over, accompanied by regular visits to the bank. I thought I would put it in writing to the bank what had happened and that despite their assurances, they were allowing the withdrawal limit to be exceeded. I have now had a response from them saying that in effect I have what they call a 'third party mandate' and I am NOT allowed to dictate how much my mum can and cannot withdraw. Unless she becomes mentally incapable, then I should consider changing the account.
Now then! I was never informed of this when I went for the meeting. In fact, I was quite open and honest with the fella I saw and said what mum's cirumstances were and that I had registered the EPA on the consultant's advice. (And after all, doesn't the registration of an EPA mean that I believed the person was becoming or had become mentally incapable! Also I said that on the face of it mum can 'walk the walk and talk the talk' (sometimes), but that things are not what they appear! I live XXX miles away and whilst she can still get around under her own steam, could they let her have access under this arrangement. He didn't suggest there was any problem. Changed her statement addresses to mine and we tidied up her various accounts.
I now feel that I am caught between a rock and a hard place. If I pursue the issue with the bank, will they stop mum from withdrawing money altogether as she is 'incapable' or do I leave things as they are and, potentially, allow her to withdraw larger sums than I feel are appropriate for someone in her situation?
I do feel aggrieved that having done my utmost to be open and honest with the bank, I now seem to be hoist with my own petard!
Anyone had any similar experiences?
Thanks very much.
I have registered EPA for my mum. In September last year, I dutifully went along to the bank to let them know. It was evident that the bloke I saw was pretty clueless and disappeared for 20 minutes during our meeting (presumably to seek advice). This, despite me seeking assurances when the appointment was made and a few days before when I reconfirmed, that the person I saw would know what was what.
He said: "As you already have an (unreg'd) EPA for your mum, it will be fairly straightforward." I had already got a daily withdrawal limit against her account (with me being contacted if she tried to go over it) and a variety of other measures. All this to allow her some independence (doesn't live near me, is still capable of going to bank and withdrawing money, but not administering the account, if you know what I mean ... as in, "mum you're nearly £500 overdrawn" - "oh, am I? Never mind the manager will give me a call.")
Since the visit to the bank, I have had to telephone them several times when mum withdrew monies that were in excess of the limit. I was given different reasons why this had happened and apologies. Of course, as Christmas approached, mum went into 'present frenzy' unconvinced she'd bought anyone anything, she went out and bought loads of stuff, several times over, accompanied by regular visits to the bank. I thought I would put it in writing to the bank what had happened and that despite their assurances, they were allowing the withdrawal limit to be exceeded. I have now had a response from them saying that in effect I have what they call a 'third party mandate' and I am NOT allowed to dictate how much my mum can and cannot withdraw. Unless she becomes mentally incapable, then I should consider changing the account.
Now then! I was never informed of this when I went for the meeting. In fact, I was quite open and honest with the fella I saw and said what mum's cirumstances were and that I had registered the EPA on the consultant's advice. (And after all, doesn't the registration of an EPA mean that I believed the person was becoming or had become mentally incapable! Also I said that on the face of it mum can 'walk the walk and talk the talk' (sometimes), but that things are not what they appear! I live XXX miles away and whilst she can still get around under her own steam, could they let her have access under this arrangement. He didn't suggest there was any problem. Changed her statement addresses to mine and we tidied up her various accounts.
I now feel that I am caught between a rock and a hard place. If I pursue the issue with the bank, will they stop mum from withdrawing money altogether as she is 'incapable' or do I leave things as they are and, potentially, allow her to withdraw larger sums than I feel are appropriate for someone in her situation?
I do feel aggrieved that having done my utmost to be open and honest with the bank, I now seem to be hoist with my own petard!
Anyone had any similar experiences?
Thanks very much.