Source · Select Committees · Human Rights (Joint Committee)
3rd Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Mental Health Bill
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
HC 601
Published 19 May 2025
Government response
3rd Special Report - Legislative scrutiny: Mental Health Bill: Government Response · published 11 Jul 2025
Recommendations & Conclusions
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
It is particularly troubling that the accounts we heard at the roundtable event in 2025...
Conclusion
It is particularly troubling that the accounts we heard at the roundtable event in 2025 echoed those the JCHR heard in 2019. This emphasised to us that reform of the Mental Health Act is both pressing and overdue. (Conclusion, Paragraph …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concern about the need for MHA reform by reiterating its commitment to report annually on the implementation of the Mental Health Bill, including future phases and community service development.
Ministry of Justice
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6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
While the evidence we have received supports the view that rushing implementation of the Bill...
Conclusion
While the evidence we have received supports the view that rushing implementation of the Bill could undermine efforts to improve the treatment of autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we also note that the implementation of other substantial changes …
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Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's agreement and recognises concerns, discussing appropriate hospital environments for autistic people and those with learning disabilities in the criminal justice system, and the importance of community services, but does not specifically commit to addressing the delays in the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019 or provide a clearer timeline for the Bill's implementation.
Ministry of Justice
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19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
One of the most significant factors that prompted the process of reform that has resulted...
Conclusion
One of the most significant factors that prompted the process of reform that has resulted in this Mental Health Bill was the disproportionate use of compulsory detention and treatment under the MHA on people from minority ethnic backgrounds, particularly black …
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Government Response Summary
The government recognises the issue of inequalities under the MHA, stating the Equality Act 2010 provides the legal framework. They commit to emphasising compliance in the Code of Practice and via the NHS Patient Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF).
Ministry of Justice
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