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Healthwatch

Asked by Sir Jeremy HuntConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 13 March 2026UIN 118163

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how the functions of local Healthwatch will be delivered by ICBs and local authorities.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The abolition of local Healthwatch (LHW) and the transfer of its functions will require primary legislation. The timing of this is subject to the will of Parliament and will happen when parliamentary time allows.

We are proposing to place responsibility for the health function of LHW with integrated care boards. Local authorities will be responsible for the social care LHW functions.

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