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Government to consult on deprivation of liberty

22 October 2025
Issue: 8136 / Categories: Legal News , Mental health , Court of Protection
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The government will consult in the first half of next year on proposed liberty protection safeguards for people lacking mental capacity

These will aim to streamline the current complex and often misunderstood deprivation of liberty safeguards, which arise from the Cheshire West ruling ([2014] UKSC 19). Under the proposed system, assessments will remain valid for longer than one year, reducing bureaucracy.

The consultation will inform a Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, which will be laid in Parliament.

The Supreme Court was this week considering the Cheshire West test, in The Reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland (UKSC/2025/0042).

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hogan Lovells—Lisa Quelch

Hogan Lovells—Lisa Quelch

Partner hire strengthens global infrastructure and energy financing practice

Sherrards—Jan Kunstyr

Sherrards—Jan Kunstyr

Legal director bolsters international expertise in dispute resolution team

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Corporate governance and company law specialist joins the team

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