Older people and care home residents could benefit from using the Human Rights Act 1998 but so far they have been missing out, according to research.
The study, by think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research, says that the voluntary sector can have a "crucial role" in changing this by helping the most vulnerable people claim their human rights while avoiding the courts.
The act includes a right to a private and family life and forbids degrading treatment, which the IPPR study says could be used to drive up standards in care homes, improve housing conditions and improve the poor services often experienced by disabled people.
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Government Legislation
17 July 2008
Private Member Bills
17 July 2008
Details of government consultations
11 July 2008
