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

Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 to £47,229 per annum
We are looking for a capable and ambitious individual keen to help families and individuals facing homelessness to help support them in their homelessness journey and adhere to legislative guidance as well as policy and procedures. Who are we looking fo Twickenham
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Waste Management Officer - North Herts Council

Essex County Council
Up to £13.5000 per hour
Waste Management Officer - North Herts CouncilGrade 4 - £13.50 PAYE37 per week2-3 Months ContractImmediate StartLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Transport Planner

Oxfordshire County Council
£31537 - £34434
Are you looking for a varied and challenging role which really gets you thinking and makes a difference for the lives of communities across Oxfordshire. If so, this might be the role for you. The role sits within the Transport Strategy and Policy team and Oxford, County Hall
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Customer Experience Manager - Town Halls

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£34,434- £37,280
Our Town Halls are at the heart of civic, cultural and commercial life, supporting the Council’s daily business. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Residential Workers

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699
Residential Workers - Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner