Q46 Figure 2 – The value of an FEPOA 65% 61% 35% 9% Peace of mind Having control over who will make formal decisions Keeping the peace in your family 5% 2% Just a formality There is no value Something else Q.46. From your perspective, what is the value of a FEPOA? Please select all that apply. Base: Nat rep sample n=2,496 Compared to principals (27%), appointed decision-makers (48%) and the control group (34%) were more likely to say the value of an FEPOA is keeping the peace in the family. The control group (6%) were more likely than principals (2%) or appointed decision-makers (1%) to say there is no value. Principals (16%) were more likely than appointed decision-makers (10%) or the control group (8%) to say that FEPOAs were just a formality. While the overwhelming story is one of value, 16% of principals saw FEPOAs as ‘just a formality’. As indicated by data relating to Chapter 7 of this report, this group of principals were also less likely to make considered decisions around who to appoint and were less likely to discuss their wishes with their prospective appointed decision-maker before completing the FEPOA forms. Those younger than 65 years, and those who spoke a language other than English at home, were more likely to see FEPOAs as ‘just a formality’, and those in lower socio-economic areas were more likely to feel FEPOAs have ‘no value’. The data revealed that FEPOAs were most commonly created to plan for the future (41%), but many people reported they were encouraged by a professional (26%), family member or carer (25%) to create one. ‘I appointed my partner as it was recommended by my solicitor [that] I should appoint someone. For me it was a formality’ – Principal, FEPOA in use ‘I regarded an FEPOA as a logical step in the final stages of my life. It can protect me/ my assets in the event I become incapable of making decisions…’ – Principal, FEPOA not in use Chapter : 4 Awareness and use 19