Ministers to unpick Healthwatch abolition

Ministers have indicated they will amend the Health Bill in the Lords to preserve an independent local voice for patients and care users.

Speaking in the Commons last night, health minister Karin Smyth committed to “review these provisions [on the abolition of Healthwatch] and ensure that our approach sufficiently empowers and devolves to local populations”.

HSJ understands MPs have been assured there will be changes to the bill, although details have not been decided.

Rachael Maskell, the backbench Labour MP who has campaigned to retain and strengthen Healthwatch, said ministers now accepted its independent role was important and had pledged to develop the detail of their new proposals with her and other MPs.

As Greater Manchester mayor last November, Andy Burnham argued against abolishing Healthwatch, saying: “People speak to Healthwatch because they are outside the system – they are impartial, trusted, and provide a safe space for concerns to be shared.”

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Source: HSJ, 9 September 2026