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Six out of 10 social care professionals believe the government's performance on improving mental health services has been poor, reveals a Community Care survey.

The poll also finds that almost half believe that the latest draft of the Mental Health Bill would have a negative impact on people's civil liberties. One-third say it will have a negative impact on sectioning practices.

Last month a report by the parliamentary joint committee set up to scrutinise the draft bill called for it to be overhauled, warning that it would force too many people into compulsory treatment.

Responses to the government's record on services for people with learning difficulties are more positive, with 55 per cent describing their performance on services in this area since they came to power as either excellent, very good or good.

Almost half of respondents to the survey believe that people with learning difficulties are leading more independent lives with adequate support than they were in 1997.

On the protection of vulnerable adults, findings show that more than half of professionals feel the government's policies are poor - despite the introduction last July of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults List.

Community Care minister Stephen Ladyman dismissed calls last month for obligatory criminal record checks for people employed by direct payment recipients, saying this would undermine independence. But campaigners argue that this stance could put users at risk.


Respondents' views on disability discrimination are more positive, with two-thirds believing Labour has done well in tackling the problem.

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005, which received royal assent this month, places a new duty on public bodies to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people and extends protection to people diagnosed with cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV.

• Community Care surveyed 1,096 social care professionals on a range of election issues. The remaining results will be published in next week's issue.