We are pleased that the Committee welcomes our commitment to report annually on the implementation of the Bill post Royal Assent, until such a time that the Bill is fully implemented. This annual report will include details of the work done over the preceding 12 months to implement this legislation, and plans for how we will implement the next phases of the MHA going forward. Implementation plans will need to be carefully considered alongside future Spending Review decisions and wider related reforms. The Department will engage with expert stakeholders to inform implementation planning, including in respect of development of strong community services. Committee View The detention of autistic people and people with learning disabilities under the MHA is a significant human rights concern. Detention in the absence of individualised, therapeutic treatment risks violating the Article 5 ECHR right to liberty and may even result in degrading treatment contrary to Article 3 ECHR. We welcome the Bill’s change in the threshold for detention, which should make detention less likely for everyone, including those who are autistic or have learning disabilities. We also share in the general welcome given in the evidence we received to clause 3 of the Bill, which would prevent autistic people and people with learning disabilities from being detained under section 3 of the MHA on the basis of their autism or learning disabilities. However, this change will be of limited benefit unless the Government also commits to invest in community services for autistic people and those with learning disabilities– both in respect of care and housing.