Responding to the Supreme Court ruling that removes the framework known as Cheshire West, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group, said:
“The Cheshire West framework has been a crucial mechanism in safeguarding the rights of disabled people who are deprived of their liberty since 2014, and its removal could have significant implications for the protection of fundamental rights for hundreds of thousands of disabled people across the country.
“Alongside concerns raised by local government, our members and peers, we are calling on the Government to provide immediate clarity on what this ruling will mean in practice.
“It is vital that the Government acts quickly to prevent disruption and confusion for local authorities, health, care and support providers - this should include clearly explaining how disabled people and their families can challenge breaches of their rights and get the advocacy and support they need.
“Any further steps taken by the Government must include consultation with people with lived experience and the organisations that provide essential support to avoid removing years of progress delivered through the Cheshire West framework.”