Giving someone access to your account, and the right to operate it, is an important decision but it could be essential for your future
There are a number of reasons why you might need someone to make decisions for you or act on your behalf. It could just be temporary, for example, if you are in hospital and need help with everyday things such as making sure bills are paid on time. It could also be more long-term, for example, if you have had an accident or have been diagnosed with an illness. There is also help available should you lose mental capacity and someone is required to be appointed on your behalf.
Temporary Support for transactions and account management
Is it possible for somebody else other than account holders to transact on my account on my behalf?
Yes, in order for a third party transaction to be processed in branch, an Authority to Withdraw form (available in branch) is required, and must be completed by the account holder(s).
If you do not have access to a form, a letter of authority from the account holder can be accepted. The letter will need to state the third party’s name who is making the transaction and we will also require proof of identification for this person. Please ensure the letter states the account holder’s name and address, the account number, the amount required and also ensure that the letter is signed and dated. Cash withdrawals are limited to £100, but there is no stated limit for cheque withdrawals. Where a cheque withdrawal is requested, this will be posted to the account holder and also the passbook/passcard.
We are able to speak to a person on the account holder's behalf over the telephone provided we have been able to confirm data protection security with the account holder.
This security measure would be required each time a telephone call is made.
Power of Attorney & Court of Protection
Power of Attorney is a legal document where one person (the donor) gives someone they trust (the attorney) the right to make decisions on their behalf and in their best interests. This can only be set up whilst the donor still has mental capacity to make decisions.
The Office of the Public Guardian polices the activities of Attorneys, Deputies & Guardians who act on behalf of an individual who lacks capacity to make their own decisions.
An application to become a Deputy on behalf of someone is necessary when they lack mental capacity and a Power of Attorney was not set up prior to this occurring.
This means they cannot make a decision for themselves at the time it needs to be made. They may still be able to make decisions for themselves at certain times.
People may lack mental capacity because, for example:
- they’ve had a serious brain injury or illness
- they have dementia
- they have severe learning disabilities
As a Deputy, you’ll be authorised by the Court of Protection to make decisions on their behalf.
Power of Attorney Registration Form (PDF, 189 kB)
The Court of Protection have guidance available for you should you wish to learn more about the application process and what is entailed:
Deputies: make decisions for someone who lacks capacity - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The services promoted on this page are not regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority nor the Financial Conduct Authority.
Getting in touch with us
To talk to us about this, you can book an appointment at your local branch. You can also find a range of other ways to get in touch with us on our 'Contact us' page, including secure messaging and in writing. You can also use our online form to send us a message, or write to us using the following postal address:
Newcastle Building Society
1 Cobalt Park Way,
Wallsend,
NE28 9EJ