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Simplifying Administrative Procedures for Mental Capacity Act Deputies

Type: Parliamentary Questions

Topic(s): Children & Families

Published on 04 February 2026

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry will review the administrative and reporting framework for deputies appointed under the Mental Capacity Act, with a view to simplifying procedures and easing the compliance burden, while maintaining safeguards for the persons they serve.

Answer

1       Mr Speaker, under the Mental Capacity Act, Court-appointed deputies must submit an annual report to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This report is an important safeguard against potential abuse as it requires deputies to set out how they have discharged their responsibilities under the Court order, which includes accounting for decisions made on behalf of the mentally incapacitated persons, and how they have managed such persons’ property and affairs.

2       The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) has been working to reduce the burden for deputies, including online submission of reports and a built-in finance tracker. OPG organises monthly workshops to guide deputies to fulfil responsibilities and requirements for the annual reports. And for deputies who require help with filing, OPG also provides personalised support.