A 2026 Supreme Court ruling has redefined deprivation of liberty (DoL), with significant implications for health and social care professionals, including commissioners, care providers, and local authorities.

A recent Court of Appeal ruling raises multiple broader issues of concern to clinical teams caring for older people with complex needs. 

This paper aims to summarise the concerns raised by the BGS about current government advice concerning those at greatest risk of the most adverse COVID-19 outcomes, which includes older people, and includes recommendations for how these should be taken forward.