Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
In June 2026 the UK Supreme Court overturned existing legislation on DoLS, replacing it with new rules.
The changes centre on people’s varying capacity to consent, and are intended to reduce the number people with DoLS in place, through more focused assessment of every individual’s situation.
The legal change earlier this month was immediate, but providers and local authorities are now waiting for full guidance from the Government, and how the ruling will be applied in practice.
Chief Operations Officer Dan Gower-Smith said: “While the ruling means significant changes for the social care providers, the principle of more individualised, person-centred assessments is positive.
“We will work with our commissioners to establish new local processes for referrals and reviews, in line with the guidance that comes from the Government.
“We are confident that by working with our partners, everyone we support will continue to receive the good, safe support they deserve and families expect.”
Read a summary of the ruling and guidance from 15 June 2026:
Changes to the definition of deprivation of liberty – GOV.UK