The government this week published a consultation on proposed rules for the new Court of Protection. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 establishes the court, which will deal with decision-making for adults who lack capacity. It will be able to make decisions about welfare matters as well as property and financial affairs. Currently, decisions on welfare are dealt with by the High Court rather than the current Court of Protection. The court is set to begin operating from April 2007. Department for Constitutional Affairs minister Baroness Ashton said: 'It is important that the Court of Protection focuses on issues that need to be resolved quickly and smoothly. However, its overriding objective will be to ensure that cases are dealt with justly.' The consultation runs until 6 October 2006.