header-logo header-logo

02 November 2022
Issue: 8001 / Categories: Legal News , Mental health
printer mail-detail

Calls for Mental Health Act reform

The Law Society has called on the government to prioritise reform of the Mental Health Act, after official statistics revealed Black British people continue to be disproportionately detained and compulsorily treated.

In 2021 to 2022, there were 53,337 new detentions under the Act, but Black British people were detained at more than four times the rate of white people. Similarly, community treatment orders (CTOs), imposing a requirement to receive supervised treatment in the community, were used for Black British people at 11 times the rate of white people.

Law Society vice president Nick Emmerson said: ‘We are monitoring the progress of the Draft Mental Health Bill and will work to ensure this vital legislation enables patients to have a greater say in their care and ensures access to justice by enabling people to challenge inappropriate treatment.’

Highlighting the importance of robust safeguards, Emmerson said people subject to a CTO should continue to receive an automatic referral to the Mental Health Tribunal if recalled to hospital and detained for treatment.

Issue: 8001 / Categories: Legal News , Mental health
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
back-to-top-scroll