The future of Healthwatch

While the end of FY2026/27 has been mentioned as a target, we do not currently have a firm timescale for these changes to take effect, or any details of which responsibilities will be transferred to other organisations, or how any such transfers will be managed. However, these changes will require legislation to be passed through Parliament, which is likely to take some time. In the meantime, councils’ statutory obligations to commission local Healthwatch services will continue, and Your Voice will continue to deliver these services to the boroughs with whom we have a contract in the normal way.

As and when we receive any further information, we will let you know promptly.

Responding to the media reports to close Healthwatch, Louise Ansari, Chief Executive at Healthwatch England, said:

“This is clearly a sad day for our staff, volunteers, and everyone associated with Healthwatch who have proudly supported people and communities to speak up about their experiences of health and social care.

"Over the past twelve years, we’ve helped millions of people raise concerns, access vital advice, and influence real change in the services they rely on.

"By championing the voices of local communities, we’ve helped drive countless improvements across the NHS and social care - successes I understand the Government recognises.

"Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition of our functions to the NHS and Government, so that the voices of patients and the public continue to be heard.”