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PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Mental Health Act 2007 (22 March 2021)

Question Asked

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to reform the Mental Health Act 2007.

Asked by:
Sir John Hayes (Conservative)

Answer

Reforming the Mental Health Act (MHA) remains a priority for this Government. In January, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice published a consultative White Paper setting out proposals for landmark reform of the MHA. The White Paper responds to the recommendations made by the Independent Review of the MHA, chaired by Sir Simon Wessely.

Among other reforms, this includes commitments to ensure that those with serious mental health problems in the criminal justice system are able to access the care and treatment they need in the right setting, and as quickly as possible.

The Government is currently consulting widely on the proposals, including with service users, carers and professionals. The consultation ends 21 April 2021. This will inform the development of a Mental Health Bill.


Answered by:
Alex Chalk (Conservative)
30 March 2021

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