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Last broadcast on Sun, 1 Aug 2010, 17:00 on BBC Radio 4 (FM only) (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
A special court system is supposed to protect the interests of the vulnerable and the elderly. It's appointed thousands of 'deputies' - or guardians - to ensure their money is properly managed. The system was reformed three years ago - but have the changes worked?
There have been allegations the system is slow, bureaucratic and open to abuse. In some cases lawyers are appointed to oversee people's financial arrangements - and families claim they charge excessive fees. In other cases, it's a relative who's appointed as a deputy - but are there adequate safeguards to ensure they're not misappropriating the money? Fran Abrams investigates cases where the system has left some vulnerable people worse off.
Producer: Samantha Fenwick.
'Court of Protection cost me £50,000'
Fran Abrams hears concerns about the financial arrangements for mentally incapacitated people.
READ THE PROGRAMME TRANSCRIPT
Read the transcript of Fran Abram's examination of the safeguards for protecting the finances of vulnerable people.
Broadcasts
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Tue 27 Jul 201020:00
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Sun 1 Aug 201017:00
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