Mental Health Act Reform 2021-03-16
2021-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a need to address concerns about the adequacy and effectiveness of the current mental health legislation in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring appropriate care.
What steps the Government are taking to reform the Mental Health Act 2007 so that it ensures patients receive the right care in the right setting at the right time?
We are determined to work across Government to modernise the Mental Health Act 2007 so that it ensures patients receive the right care in the right setting at the right time. Prison should be a place for rehabilitation, not a convenient holding pen for those people for whom mental health is the primary driver of their offending.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or timeline for reforming the Mental Health Act 2007
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for transparency and public involvement in the process of reforming mental health legislation.
What is the timetable for the Mental Health Act consultation and how can interested parties participate?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her continuing interest in this important process. We are consulting widely on these proposed reforms, including service users, carers and professionals, to ensure that we get this once-in-a-generation opportunity right. The consultation is now available on the gov.UK website, and will close on 21 April.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the intersection between mental health policy and criminal justice, specifically how proposed reforms will address societal protection for vulnerable individuals.
Will the Secretary of State explain how reforms of the Mental Health Act will strengthen the role that the justice system plays in protecting society's most vulnerable, both in north Wales and across the country?
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend who, from his professional experience, has a great deal of expertise and knowledge in this area. Among other reforms, we want, in particular, to increase patient access to the Mental Health Tribunal, which provides vital independent scrutiny of detention orders. We wish to expand its powers so that it plays a greater safeguarding role. Health policy is devolved to Wales, so it will be for the Welsh Government to decide whether they wish to join the UK Government on many of our reforms in the White Paper, and we will continue to work closely with them in order to secure that partnership.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct answer on how reforms strengthen the role of justice system specifically for north Wales or across the country
Response accuracy