Menu
18/06/2004
Bill set to help people with limited mental capacity
People with limited mental capacity will be encouraged to take as many decisions for themselves as possible by new legislation unveiled today.
The Mental Capacity Bill is designed to protect the more than two million adults who may be unable to take decisions for themselves.
People may be unable to take decisions through disability, mental illness, brain injury or illnesses such as dementia. It is estimated that over 700,000 people in the UK currently suffer from dementia.
Where individuals can't make a decision, the Bill would protect them and their carers by setting out who can make decisions on their behalf, in what situations and how.
Constitutional Affairs Minister Lord Filkin said the Bill heralded a "cultural shift" in the way people who lack capacity are treated.
"Vulnerable people will no longer be labelled 'mentally incapable' and their views forgotten about," he said.
"Instead they will be placed at the heart of decision making, empowered to make as many decisions for themselves as possible."
The Bill would also make neglect or ill treatment of a person who lacks capacity a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of five years.
People would be able to appoint an attorney to act on their behalf in welfare, healthcare and financial matters should they lose capacity in the future.
Earlier drafts of the Mental Capacity Bill have been linked with the idea of legalising euthanasia. Lord Filkin said this was "quite wrong".
"This Bill expressly provides that it does not affect the law on murder, manslaughter or assisted suicide. I hope the Bill we have published today will finally lay to rest the misplaced concerns about euthanasia."
(gmcg)
The Mental Capacity Bill is designed to protect the more than two million adults who may be unable to take decisions for themselves.
People may be unable to take decisions through disability, mental illness, brain injury or illnesses such as dementia. It is estimated that over 700,000 people in the UK currently suffer from dementia.
Where individuals can't make a decision, the Bill would protect them and their carers by setting out who can make decisions on their behalf, in what situations and how.
Constitutional Affairs Minister Lord Filkin said the Bill heralded a "cultural shift" in the way people who lack capacity are treated.
"Vulnerable people will no longer be labelled 'mentally incapable' and their views forgotten about," he said.
"Instead they will be placed at the heart of decision making, empowered to make as many decisions for themselves as possible."
The Bill would also make neglect or ill treatment of a person who lacks capacity a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of five years.
People would be able to appoint an attorney to act on their behalf in welfare, healthcare and financial matters should they lose capacity in the future.
Earlier drafts of the Mental Capacity Bill have been linked with the idea of legalising euthanasia. Lord Filkin said this was "quite wrong".
"This Bill expressly provides that it does not affect the law on murder, manslaughter or assisted suicide. I hope the Bill we have published today will finally lay to rest the misplaced concerns about euthanasia."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 December 2004
Labour backbenchers may revolt over 'living wills' Bill
Prime Minister Tony Blair is today facing a House of Commons revolt over a Bill that critics claim may pave the way for legalised euthanasia.
Labour backbenchers may revolt over 'living wills' Bill
Prime Minister Tony Blair is today facing a House of Commons revolt over a Bill that critics claim may pave the way for legalised euthanasia.
16 April 2007
MPs to debate Mental Health Bill
MPs are expected to discuss the Mental Health Bill today, with opposition expected for the controversial Community Treatment Orders (CTO's) dubbed 'psychiatric ASBOs'. The Bill, which was rejected by the Lords in February, is expected to face criticism in the Commons.
MPs to debate Mental Health Bill
MPs are expected to discuss the Mental Health Bill today, with opposition expected for the controversial Community Treatment Orders (CTO's) dubbed 'psychiatric ASBOs'. The Bill, which was rejected by the Lords in February, is expected to face criticism in the Commons.
29 January 2014
Amendment Banning Smoking In Cars With Children Before Lords
The House of Lords is to vote later today on an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, seeking a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment has been put forward by Labour, who have said that if it is not passed by the Lords today, they will include it in its next election manifesto.
Amendment Banning Smoking In Cars With Children Before Lords
The House of Lords is to vote later today on an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, seeking a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment has been put forward by Labour, who have said that if it is not passed by the Lords today, they will include it in its next election manifesto.
10 June 2013
January Trial Date For Actor Bill Roache
January 13 has been set as the trial date for Coronation Street actor Bill Roache. 81-year-old Roache faces 7 charges of historical sexual abuse, including two counts of rape against a 15-year-old and five counts of indecent assault against four girls aged between 11 and 16.
January Trial Date For Actor Bill Roache
January 13 has been set as the trial date for Coronation Street actor Bill Roache. 81-year-old Roache faces 7 charges of historical sexual abuse, including two counts of rape against a 15-year-old and five counts of indecent assault against four girls aged between 11 and 16.
19 March 2013
CPI Rises To 2.8%
In February the UK’s consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 2.8%, thought to be the result of rising energy prices, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The Bank of England's inflation target for the CPI is 2%. Before February, CPI inflation had been 2.7% for four months in a row.
CPI Rises To 2.8%
In February the UK’s consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 2.8%, thought to be the result of rising energy prices, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The Bank of England's inflation target for the CPI is 2%. Before February, CPI inflation had been 2.7% for four months in a row.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
