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

ECC Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25959 per annum
ECC InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wraparound Child Care - After School Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,614
Temporary Contract with Review at end of July 2027. Part time 15 hours a week- 15
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Family Hub Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £29,071 - £32,046 pro rata, per annum.
We are looking to recruit three Family Hub Practitioners to join our Early Help Service. There is one permanent part-time position available, along wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lead Practitioner

Durham County Council
£57,418 - £63,381 pay award pending
Required to start February 2027 or sooner.   An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Woodlands for a dynamic, inclusive, and highly motivated leader Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Integrated Enforcement

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£72,468 - £88,374
Head of Integrated Enforcement... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner