SPOTLIGHT
Shelved 400px

What now for deprivations of liberty?

What will the effect of the postponement of the Liberty Protections Safeguards be on local authorities? Local Government Lawyer asked 50 adult social care lawyers for their views on the potential consequences.

COVID-19: suspension of Care Act obligations

The new Coronavirus Bill 2020 effectively suspends most local authority social care obligations. Jonathan Auburn reports.

The key points as regards adult social care –

Section 14 gives effect to Schedule 11, which suspends the following provisions of the Care Act –

  • s.9 duty to assess the individual’s needs;
  • s.10 duty to assess carer’s needs;
  • s.13 duty to determine eligibility;
  • s.17 duty to assess financial resources;
  • ss.24-27 care planning duties;
  • ss.37-38 duties relating to people moving areas; and
  • ss.58-64 duties concerning child carers.

As to the duty to make provision to meet care needs, that is now limited to meeting needs nly to the extent necessary to avoid a breach of Convention rights.

The Bill also affects other related areas.

  • Section 5 and Schedule 4 make provision for the emergency registration of further social workers.
  • Section 9 and Schedule 7 make changes to mental health and mental health legislative provisions. This includes that applications by AMHPs now need be supported by only one medical recommendation, not two.

The Bill effectively suspends most assessment, decision-making and planning duties in social care, and greatly reduces duties to provide for social care.

We will be discussing the impact of these far-reaching provisions in the coming days.

Jonathan Auburn is a barrister at 11KBW. He can be contacted This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Go to the 11KBW Community Care blog.