Councils Warn NHS Reform Risks ‘Marking Own Homework’ by Scraping Patient Watchdog

The proposed elimination of the body responsible for advocating for patients in health and social care has triggered warnings from local government leaders that the National Health Service (NHS) would effectively be "marking its own homework." The Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils across England and Wales, argues that dismantling Healthwatch would erode accountability and result in a "fragmented system."

Healthwatch currently operates as an independent entity, tasked with conveying patient perspectives to local health and social care providers to drive service improvements. However, the LGA contends that removing this independent oversight creates a vacuum in accountability, particularly when the public raises concerns about care quality. Speaking exclusively to BBC News, the LGA expressed deep concern over the absence of a concrete plan to replace Healthwatch’s functions, warning that disbanding the organization represents a "significant step back" for public scrutiny.

"Without an independent, locally rooted voice to challenge and represent communities, there is a risk of duplication and gaps in accountability," the LGA stated. The association is urging the government to collaborate with local authorities to design a "clear and workable model" that preserves the essential role of Healthwatch while ensuring its independence.

The move to abolish Healthwatch is part of wider legislative changes aimed at centralizing the management of health and social care under the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). These measures also include the dissolution of NHS England, with the government asserting that the restructuring will cut through bureaucracy and redirect more resources to frontline services. The proposals are currently being debated in the NHS Modernisation Bill, which is scheduled for its second reading in Parliament on Monday, 1 June.

Under the new framework, the duties currently held by Healthwatch will be transferred to integrated care boards (ICBs) and local authorities. This shift means that these bodies would be responsible for addressing feedback regarding their own performance, rather than having their actions scrutinized by an external, independent organization.

Councillor Dr. Wendy Taylor MBE, chair of the LGA’s health and wellbeing committee, likened the situation to health services grading their own assignments. She further cautioned that this "fragmented approach" might exacerbate the divide between health and social care sectors, reinforcing her call for the government to engage constructively with local councils.

Healthwatch currently relies on a workforce of over 500 staff and 4,000 volunteers spread across its national and local offices. In England alone, more than 150 local Healthwatch organizations operate with specific powers, including:

• Serving on local health and wellbeing boards, as well as safeguarding adults boards.
• Gathering public opinion on their needs and experiences with local health and social care services.
• Producing reports and recommendations to enhance service delivery.
• Informing the public about available health and social care options and how to access them.
• Collaborating with Healthwatch England to advise the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on conducting special reviews or investigations into areas of concern.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care defended the changes, stating they are part of a strategy "to simplify the patient safety landscape." The spokesperson emphasized that the reform aims to bring the patient voice closer to decision-makers, thereby ensuring that user experiences have a more direct influence on service delivery.

"We value the work of local Healthwatch organisations, but these changes will give patients and service users a stronger, clearer voice at the heart of health and social care," the spokesperson added, noting that the reforms are designed to make accessing care more straightforward for the public.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-30 00:08:23 UTC