Department Of Health
The Mental Health Act 1983 governs the compulsory detention and medical treatment of people with severe mental illness, people with a learning disability and autistic people for their own safety or for the protection of others. In 2018, a landmark independent review, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, found that the act could be reformed in order to deliver a modern mental health service that respects the patients voice and empowers individuals to shape their own care and treatment.
In June 2022, the government published a draft Mental Health Bill which contains proposals to reform the Mental Health Act and provide a stronger system updated for the 21st century. These proposals would:
- provide for enhanced protections and support for people with severe mental health needs
- strengthen their voice, choice and rights
- support work underway to address the racial disparities that have too long been part of the way the act has been used
In January 2023, the Joint Committee published a report of recommendations to the government following pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Mental Health Bill. The government has responded to each of the recommendations made by the committee.