My son has Power of Attorney and only gives me £10 a week to live on

DEAR DEIDRE: MY son only gives me £10 a week from my own money to live on.

He has a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and I feel like he’s abusing it. I’m miserable and don’t know what to do.

I’m 78 and my wife died two years ago. My only son is 44.

As I have Parkinson’s, we agreed he should get LPA before my condition deteriorates to the point I can’t manage my finances. 

But he is now giving me so little each week that I can’t enjoy what I have left of my life. 

When I complained, he said he’s worried I’ll run out of money before I die, if he doesn’t ration it.

There are thousands in my accounts – I saved hard while I worked – so that isn’t rational. 

I fear he may be trying to protect his own inheritance, so doesn’t want me to spend too much. 

It’s making me upset and resentful, and I feel his mum is turning in her grave. 

DEIDRE SAYS: You need to talk to him again and impress upon him how unfair it is that he’s denying you a comfortable remainder of your life. 

Suggest an amount you are happy with. 

He may be worrying about future care costs, should you need them. But limiting your allowance to £10 a week is unrealistic and cruel. 

You can revoke a Power of Attorney if you are still considered of sound mind. 

For more information Hourglass can tell you more about financial abuse (wearehourglass.org).

If you really think he’s deliberately abusing the LPA, contact the Office of the Public Guardian (gov.uk/report-concern-about-attorney-deputy-guardian).