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Healthwatch

Asked by Andrew GeorgeLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 23 October 2025UIN 77983

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has carried out an (a) impact, (b) equality, (c) risk and (d) other assessment of the proposed abolition of local Healthwatch organisations.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

The abolition of local Healthwatch arrangements requires primary legislation which would be included in a Bill before Parliament. Timing of this is subject to the will of Parliament and will happen when parliamentary time allows.

A full impact assessment would be produced in line with HM Treasury's Green Book standards and published on the Government website when legislation is introduced in Parliament. No assessments have been made at this time, although the expertise of Dr Penny Dash and her critical review of patient safety will continue to guide the Government’s policy in this regard.

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