New laws that give patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act more dignity and say over their care were introduced into Parliament on 6th November.

The new laws contain long-awaited updates:

• The outdated Mental Health Act will be updated to better support patients, treat them more humanely, and reduce disparities.
• Reforms will introduce care plans, end the use of police and prison cells for mental health crises, and end the inappropriate detention of autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
• Greater involvement of patients, families and carers will improve treatment while protecting patients, staff and the wider public.

The outdated laws do not meet modern standards and fail to give patients a proper voice. For example, people with severe mental illness can be placed in police cells, and the law gives a patient’s nearest relative, not their chosen person like a partner, a say in care decisions. Patients had little say in their care or who should be involved in decisions, like family members and carers, if they are detained.

The new Mental Health Bill addresses significant changes in the attitudes to mental illness in today’s world since the original act was passed, and takes into account that outdated laws around the treatment of people are no longer tolerable in today’s society. Modernising the bill was a commitment that Labour set out in their manifesto; to reform the Mental Health Act so that it is fit for purpose, and improve patients’ experiences in hospitals and mental health outcomes.

It will become a legal requirement for each patient to have ‘care and treatment plans’ tailored to their individual needs. These will make clear what is needed to progress them to discharge. The bill will give patients the right to choose someone to represent them and more access to advocacy when detained. These reforms will make it more likely for patients to stay in contact with health services while helping them to continue to engage with treatment.

The reforms ensure patients have a voice in their care and acknowledge the important role of families and carers in keeping patients safe by sharing their wishes and preferences, especially when patients can’t communicate them themselves. The bill will strengthen rights of families and carers, while clinicians will have to consult with others close to the patient regarding decisions to their care.

The reforms to the bill will provide vital updated requirements and ensure that patients have the best possible care whilst also treating them with dignity. The Mental Health Act is vital to keeping people safe; it gives clinicians the authority to admit and treat individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others in the wider community.

To view a fact sheet on the Mental Health Bill, click here.

To find out more about the Mental Health Bill 2025 and the full list of reforms, please click here.