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For more than a decade, local Healthwatch has given people a trusted, independent and statutory way to speak up about health and social care.
Current proposals in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan would abolish Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch, with functions moved under councils and NHS bodies. That risks removing the only collective, independent route for people to hold the system to account.
When this was first announced (30 June 2025), our Chair Richard Burden said:
“The patient voice can only be meaningful if it is independent of the system, not part of it.”
Read our initial response: “Don’t destroy independent voice.”
Why independence matters
People often worry about repercussions if they raise issues directly with services. An independent Healthwatch gives them a safe, impartial place to say what’s working – and what isn’t – and to see concerns taken seriously. Independence lets us publish what we find without fear or favour, while still working with partners to put things right.
What would change
Under the proposals, Healthwatch’s role would be brought under councils and NHS bodies. That would remove the independent, statutory public voice that helps improve care across Birmingham and Solihull and the country.
What independence delivers
- An independent critical friend: we work constructively with local partners, but keep the freedom to raise concerns – services can’t be held to account by the same bodies that fund or manage them.
- Reaching people at risk of health inequalities: listening to communities who are often missed and understanding barriers to care.
- Community-driven priorities: shaped by people with lived experience, not provider agendas.
- A bridge across sectors: connecting VCSE groups, councils, the NHS and communities so services join up around people’s needs.
- Trusted and impartial: independence helps people feel safe to speak up and know they’ll be heard.
What we do
We ensure that local services listen to the people that use them, and make improvements based on their needs. By working with the health and social care system, we discover where services are working well, where they can be improved and hold them to account for making changes that really matter to patients.
Some examples include:
- Improved community mental health services
- More support for children with autism and ADHD
- Better support for prostate care
Read more about how we make a difference.
What we’re asking
Based on the national call to action, we’re asking Government to:
Invest in and strengthen independent public voice.
Work with local Healthwatch leaders to co-design a future that puts people first.
Recognise the role of independent voice in delivering the 10-Year Plan, through constructive challenge and co-production, especially with communities facing the greatest needs.
How you can help
Please sign and share the national petition to keep Healthwatch independent:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732993
Shared independently, not in our capacity as commissioned services of Birmingham City Council or Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. |
