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

Direct Payments Monitoring Officer

Essex County Council
£27869.00 - £32787.00 per annum
Direct Payments Monitoring OfficerPermanent, Full Time£27,869 to £32,787 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Services Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + full time equivalent
Customer Services AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker (Link Role) - 12 month FTC

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Fixed Term, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Attendance Specialist

Essex County Council
£29512.00 - £34720.00 per annum
Attendance SpecialistPermanent, Full Time£29,512 to £34,720 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Fostering Panel Manager (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 10 - £48,227 - £52,414 (Pay award pending)
As Fostering Panel Manager, you will be responsible for the effective operation and development of the Fostering Panel Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner