– Latest NHS Digital data highlights urgent need for reform of the Mental Health Act
– Black people nearly four times more likely to be detained under the Act
NHS Digital released the latest figures on Mental Health Act detentions yesterday. While overall detention rates remain consistent with previous years, the data reveals glaring inequalities, notably with Black people nearly four times more likely to be detained under the Act.
The statistics point to a continued overrepresentation of Black people in several aspects, including higher likelihoods of being held under section 136 by the police, receiving a Community Treatment Order, and experiencing repeated detentions. Although this year’s figures show a slight reduction in these disparities and an overall decrease in the Act’s use, the need for comprehensive reforms remains evident.
The data also sheds light on the economic aspect of mental health inequalities, indicating that people in the most economically deprived areas are three and a half times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act compared to those in the least deprived areas.
These figures clearly highlight the inherent inequalities within the outdated Mental Health Act. Despite former Prime Minister Theresa May’s commitment to modernise the Act eight years ago and five years since the Independent Review, the promised reforms are yet to be realised.
The Race Equality Foundation believes: “The latest Mental Health Act figures from NHS Digital show the urgent need for mental health reform. The rates of holding people in hospitals remain similar to previous years, and it’s clear that mental health care isn’t fair for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people. Black people are still almost four times more likely to be detained under the Act compared to White people. They also get held under the Act by the police more often, face restrictions after leaving hospital, and might be detained more than once. The current Mental Health Act is 40 years old and reinforces mental health inequalities with its disproportionate use on racialised communities. We need to fix this law and put better protections in place as soon as possible.”
It is clear that long term investment in mental health services is essential to ensure quick, effective, and equitable responses to people’s needs. Government also need to recognise the impact of racism, poverty and deprivation on mental health. Any change to legislation and services must be complemented by action to tackle the root causes of racism, poverty and inequality, which contribute significantly to poor mental health.
An independent review has examined how the Act is used and has made recommendations for improving the Mental Health Act legislation. In responding to the review, the government said it would introduce a new Mental Health Bill to reform practice.
