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.'

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Attendance Compliance Officer - ESO Facilitator

Essex County Council
£33915.0000 - £39900.0000 per annum
Attendance Compliance Officer - Education Supervision Order FacilitatorFixed Term, Full Time£33,915 to £39,900 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ACL Senior Trainer - English for Speakers of Other Languages

Essex County Council
£33711.0000 - £39659.0000 per annum
ACL Senior Trainer - English for Speakers of Other LanguagesPermanent, Full Time£33,711 to £39,659 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Regeneration & Economic Growth Senior Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £25.0000 per hour + PAYE
Main Purpose
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Digi-go Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Digi-go DriverPermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner