The government plans to introduce legislation in England and Wales banning the use of police cells as a "place of safety" for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. Currently, officers can hold people in cells for up to 24 hours while they await assessment by a doctor. The changes, which aim to modernise decades-old mental health laws, will also strengthen the rights of those receiving treatment. While the reforms have been welcomed by charities, they have highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in mental health services.

Proposed by the previous government following a review in 2018, the move to outlaw police cells in these situations has long been called for. Though use of cells has decreased significantly in recent years, from 4% of detentions in 2017 to just 1% last year, campaigners stress the importance of providing suitable healthcare alternatives. MPs reviewing earlier drafts of the law supported the ban but emphasised the need for more healthcare-based facilities to support those in crisis.

The new legislation will also address inequalities within the current system, which disproportionately affects certain groups, including Black people. Changes include a 28-day limit on detentions for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities, unless accompanied by mental health conditions. Patients will gain new rights to appoint representatives and have their preferences considered during treatment decisions.

While these reforms have been praised as a step towards a more humane mental health system, charities such as Mind and the National Autistic Society warn that successful implementation depends on adequate funding and resources. Labour’s plan also includes raising thresholds for detention and ensuring treatments offer real therapeutic benefits, aiming to align mental health care with modern standards.