Mark Whitehead Tuesday, April 2, 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

Business Support Team Leader

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Specialist Learning Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
Grade 4 SCP 6 £19,175.67 - SCP 7 £19,481.13 pro rata
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Occupational Therapist WMF2987e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £44,075
We have exciting opportunities to join our dedicated and supportive Occupational Therapy Teams Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

MRF Site Manager - WMF2982e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091 - £46,142
The role requires a flexible approach to the work a range of different people. Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Ugobus Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Ugobus DriverPermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annum full time equivalent Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner