Mark Whitehead 02 April 2019

Protections for people who lack mental capacity must be 'robust', MPs say

A new definition of what constitutes 'liberty' will be included in the Mental Capacity Act to help protect vulnerable people, the Government has announced.

It follows the introduction of a new law last year aimed at simplifying Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs).

Harriet Harman, chair of the parliamentary human rights committee said protections for people who lack mental capacity must be 'robust and proportionate'.

In a statement the Government said it was attempting to introduce a definition of deprivation of liberty into the Bill, as the committee had recommended.

But following disagreement between the House of Commons and the Lords, the Government now proposed to remove the definition from the Bill and include it in codes of practice under the Mental Capacity Act.

Ms Harman said: 'The protections for people who lack mental capacity must be both robust and proportionate: we need to ensure that people’s right not to be arbitrarily deprived of their liberty is fully protected.

'But any system must not be excessively bureaucratic not least because resources must not be diverted from vital care into unnecessary bureaucracy.

'We welcome where the Government has listened to the Committee and proposed some changes to the Bill.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Managing Director

Cheshire West Recycling
Circa £115,000 (subject to negotiation) plus benefits
Cheshire West Recycling is a wholly owned company of Cheshire West and Chester Council, operating with a clear social and environmental purpose. Chester, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire West Recycling

Head of Adoption Fostering Kinship

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Head of Adoption Fostering KinshipPermanent, Full Time£73,883 to £86,921 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs & Maintenance Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E, SCP 18 - 25 (£31,537 - £36,363) per annum
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s Urban Design & Building Services team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Tenant Engagement Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP 26-31 (£37,280- £41,771 per annum)
Sandwell Council has established and continues to develop tenant engagement and the opportunities to shape Housing Services Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

General Assistant - Meals on Wheels

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band A, SCP 2 (£24,413) per annum, Pro Rata
Responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of quality meals in hygienic conditions. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner