§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what restrictions apply to the use of Post Office National Savings accounts by people who cannot sign their names due to mental impairment; and what arrangements may be made for such people living in local authority care to have access to their savings in such accounts.
§ Mr. NelsonNational Savings ordinary and investment accounts can be opened for mentally disordered persons but only where a receiver has been appointed by the Court of Protection. The receiver will have full control over the management of the account.
Where an account has been opened and the despositor subsequently becomes mentally disordered, National Savings will describe to the applicant the Court of Protection facility but explain that where the balance in the account is £3,000 or less the director of savings has discretion to allow withdrawals from the account where it is considered in the patient's interest and the payment is being made to a proper person.
In cases where the account balance is greater than £3,000 the applicant will be referred to the Court of Protection but the director of savings will offer the facility of discretionary payments to meet immediate needs until a Court of Protection order is issued.
Where there is any doubt in a particular case the matter can be raised with the Public Trust Office. The overriding consideration must be the interests of the patient.