Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Reform of the Mental Health Act: White Paper

16 June 2021 · 0 other contributors · 3,652 words

Opened by Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

Responding minister: Nadine Dorries

Mental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Helen Hayes raised concerns about reform of the mental health act: white paper in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP is concerned about racial disparities in mental health services, with black people four times more likely to be sectioned than white people.
  • MP asks for a commitment to expedite the implementation of Seni's law and to fund advocacy services for children and young people admitted as mental health in-patients.
  • MP seeks assurance that out-of-area placements for children and young people will be avoided.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks for a commitment from the Minister to expedite the implementation of Seni's law and to fund advocacy services for children and young people who are admitted as mental health in-patients, whether by formal or informal routes. They also seek assurance that out-of-area placements for children and young people will be avoided.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

The MP is concerned about racial disparities in mental health services, highlighting that black people are four times more likely to be sectioned than white people. They also point out that for every one white person diagnosed with schizophrenia, 4.7 black people and 2.4 Asian people are diagnosed. Additionally, the experience of racism has been linked to increased likelihood of developing mental health problems. The MP is worried about whether proposed reforms will address these inequalities.

Government Response

Nadine Dorries

Thanked Helen Hayes for raising concerns about the Mental Health Act reform. Mentioned Sir Simon Wessely's review highlighting racial disparities in detention rates, accepted 124 out of 127 recommendations. Discussed reforms including care plans and advance choice documents, new rights to challenge decisions, addressing disproportionate use of Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) among black people. Addressed Seni's law to ensure force is used as a last resort, outlined steps towards implementation by November. Assured communities that reform efforts are ongoing despite delays due to COVID-19.

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