DoLS in England 2023-24 Report Published

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The latest NHS Digital figures reveal a significant rise in DoLS activity during the year spanning 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. A total of 332,455 DoLS applications were received—an 11% increase over the previous year (NHS England Digital, Mental Capacity Law and Policy).

Of these, 323,870 applications were completed, a consistent reflection of the rising trend—with completions growing by around 9% per year over the past five years (Mental Capacity Law and Policy). Despite this volume, 123,790 cases remained pending at year-end, slightly down 2% from the prior period (Mental Capacity Law and Policy).

Speed and Backlogs Remain a Concern

Only 19% of standard applications were completed within the statutory 21-day timeframe, unchanged from 2022–23 (Mental Capacity Law and Policy). On average, completed applications took 144 days—an improvement from an average of 156 days the year before (Mental Capacity Law and Policy). However, the slow pace continues to raise safeguarding concerns.

Authorisation Outcomes

Many applications were closed without a full assessment—162,655 cases at year-end had no assessment content (Mental Capacity Ltd, Mental Capacity Law and Policy). Among the applications that were fully assessed and completed, only 3% were not granted. Reasons included changes in circumstances (51%), death of the individual (25%), or not meeting criteria (a small number) (Mental Capacity Law and Policy).

Final Thought

Despite progress in processing more applications, the DoLS system remains under strain—with long backlogs, delays, and legal risks for vulnerable adults still common. What’s clear is that urgency matters: timely authorisation protects both safety and rights. As care workers, staying alert to when DoLS may apply—and pursuing them quickly—can make a real difference.