Consultation launched on new court protecting people who lack capacity

The government today launched a consultation on rules for the new Court of Protection, which will have the power to make decisions about the personal welfare matters of people who lack mental capacity.

The new court, established under the Mental Capacity Act, will have extra powers on top of those of the current Court of Protection and will start work in April 2007.

It will be able to make decisions on whether people have the capacity to make particular decisions, as well as about personal welfare and financial matters, such as property.

The consultation runs until 6 October.