Skip to content

Some online services unavailable on Saturday 23 November and Monday 25 November

Due to essential maintenance some of our online services will be unavailable over the next few days.

  • On Saturday 23 November between 9am–5pm you will be unable to view your council tax, council tax support and housing benefits accounts or documents while we upgrade our systems.
  • On Monday 25 November between 6–11pm our online parking services will be unavailable. During this time, you won’t be able to review or pay for parking tickets or buy parking permits or visitor vouchers.

We are sorry for any inconvenience while we carry out these necessary works.

ID badge

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Information about safeguarding people who lack the capacity to make their own decisions whether they wish to be admitted to or remain in a hospital or care home for the purpose of care and/or treatment.

About Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

The MCA Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) were introduced on 1 April 2009.

See more information about deprivation of liberty safeguards in the SCIE website

Eligibility for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

The person must:

  • be 18 years of age or over
  • have a mental disorder
  • lack the capacity to consent to be admitted to or remain in a hospital or care home.

The person cannot be subject to a DoLS authorisation if they are (or could be)

  • detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA) – 198
  • subject to a requirement under that Act that could conflict with the DoLS authorisation (for example Guardianship or a Community Treatment Order).

DoLS authorisation must be in the person’s best interests.

The authorisation can’t conflict with a valid decision by a holder of a Lasting Power of Attorney or a court appointed deputy.

It is not for the purpose of giving treatment that would conflict with a valid and applicable advance decision.

Types of authorisation

There are two types of authorisations: urgent and standard. Email DoLSOffice@islington.gov.uk for the form you need.

 Urgent authorisation

This is needed when the person is currently being deprived of liberty or the need cannot wait.

This authorisation is usually made by the hospital or care home and is valid for up to seven days.

Standard authorisation

This is needed when the person will be deprived of liberty in the next 28 days.

It is made by the hospital or care home where the person will be residing when the standard authorisation comes into force.

All requests under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are managed by Islington Council.

Contact us

Contact us if you have any questions about:

  • Deprivation of Liberty regulations
  • the Mental Capacity Act
  • someone being deprived of their liberty.

Email: DoLSOffice@islington.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 7527 3828

Was this information helpful?



Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.