Bill poised for December debut

The Mental Health Bill is likely to be introduced into parliament next month, sources say.

It had been expected to begin its parliamentary journey this month but problems over reform of the tribunal system are yet to be resolved.

Critics of the bill hope it will be introduced in the House of Lords because it will be more heavily debated there than in the Commons.

The Department of Health refused to say whether the bill would be introduced in December.

A spokesperson for the Mental Health Alliance said the uncertainty around the progress of the bill had been “unfair” on those with mental health problems and their carers.