Draft Mental Health Bill 2024-03-05
2024-03-05
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill published a report on January 19, 2023, which the government has yet to respond to. This report discusses reforms aimed at improving mental health services.
When will she plan to respond to the Joint Committee's report on the draft Mental Health Bill and address their recommendations?
We are looking at the recommendations of the pre-legislative scrutiny Committee, which scrutinised our draft Mental Health Bill, and we will respond shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or commitment to responding to the report was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Over a year has passed since the publication of the Joint Committee report on the draft Mental Health Bill, with repeated promises of reform. The current situation is described as an outrage for campaigners and those affected by mental health issues.
Given that over 50,000 people are held under the Mental Health Act 1983 and despite repeated promises of reform, will the Minister confirm when the Government plans to bring a formal Bill to Parliament and what conversations have been had with the Chancellor about resourcing reforms?
We are looking at the recommendations of the pre-legislative scrutiny Committee, which scrutinised our draft Mental Health Bill. The Government has invested £143 million in crisis support services leading to a reduction in use of the Act by 15%. No specific commitment on bringing formal legislation or discussions with the Chancellor were provided.
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Assessment & feedback
No timeline for formal Bill and no details on conversations with the Chancellor were given.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A number of years have passed since the last promise to reform mental health legislation. The current approach is criticised for managing people with severe mental ill health in a way that does not respect their liberties.
Given the criticism that people's mental health conditions are managed through forced administration of drugs, and considering lived experiences shared by those affected, will the Minister reiterate the urgency of introducing measures to reform this?
The Government published a draft Bill last January which underwent pre-legislative scrutiny. The Minister agrees that reforms are needed and mentions significant reform efforts including earlier intervention, crisis cafés, and telephone services leading to 15% fewer detentions under the Mental Health Act.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct confirmation on urgency of introducing specific measures was provided.
Response accuracy