Families of missing people could be given new powers under Government proposals to take care of the legal and financial affairs of their absent relatives.

Direct debits for mobile phones and utility bills and making mortgage payments are among some of the actions families could take under the status of "guardian of the property and affairs of a missing person".

This would be in addition to the introduction of "certificates of presumed death" which can be applied for by relatives from October 1.

Susannah Drury, director of policy and advocacy for UK charity Missing People, said: " Imagine someone you love going missing.

"Then imagine watching the life that you hope they will return to fall apart.

"Missing People regularly hears from distressed families who are unable to step in and look after their missing relative's property and finances while they are missing. In the worst cases, finances are destroyed beyond repair and homes can be lost.

"This is why Missing People has been campaigning for guardianship to enable families to protect a missing loved one's life in their absence, and we are delighted that the Government has launched a consultation on introducing it."

The Ministry of Justice is seeking views on whether a system should be created under which a person can be appointed to deal with the property and affairs of a missing person.

Announcing the proposals, Justice Minister Lord Faulks said: " The sudden disappearance of a loved one, perhaps without any obvious explanation, is a traumatic event for even the most resilient.

"The emotional and personal problems caused by absences of several months or even years are all too obvious, but they can be compounded by the practical consequences of the disappearance.

"We are considering the creation of a status of guardian of the property and affairs of a missing person to help enable these problems to be solved."

Under the proposals, an appointment as guardian for a missing person would be made by the court after a person has been absent for at least 90 days.

The appointment would be for a period of up to four years with the possibility of extension for a further four, and the guardian would have to account for their actions to a supervisory body.