Health Bill update: Questions raised about how people's experiences will be heard
People across North Yorkshire continue to tell us about their experiences of health and social care. Those experiences help improve services, highlight where change is needed, and ensure decision-makers understand what matters most to local communities.
The Government's Health Bill includes proposals that would abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations, including Healthwatch North Yorkshire. Responsibility for listening to people's experiences and helping shape improvements in care would instead move to NHS organisations and local councils.
These proposals have prompted debate in Parliament and concerns from a range of organisations about how people will continue to share their experiences, raise concerns and influence improvements in health and social care.
At this stage, nothing changes for people in North Yorkshire. Healthwatch North Yorkshire remains independent and will continue to listen to local people's experiences, share what we hear, and use that evidence to help improve care.
What happened in Parliament?
The Health Bill received a second reading in the House of Commons on Monday 1 June 2026. This means MPs debated the main principles of the Bill before it moved on for more detailed examination.
During the debate, MPs from across different political parties raised concerns about the proposed abolition of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations. Some MPs argued that the current arrangements should remain in place, while others stressed the need for an independent way for people to share their experiences and raise concerns if the changes go ahead.
Questions were also raised about how the proposals could affect people who already face barriers to accessing care or having their voices heard, including people who may find it harder to speak up about their experiences.
Several amendments were proposed, including some that would remove the sections of the Bill relating to the abolition of Healthwatch and the transfer of local Healthwatch responsibilities.
July 2026 update: Committee scrutiny completed
Since this article was first published in June 2026, the Public Bill Committee has completed its detailed, line-by-line scrutiny of the Health Bill, including the clauses relating to Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations.
During these discussions, some MPs continued to raise concerns about the impact of abolishing Healthwatch and the importance of maintaining an independent patient and public voice. However, the Committee ultimately agreed that the Healthwatch clauses should remain in the Bill and proceed to the next stage of the parliamentary process.
The next stage is for the Committee to publish its report, which is expected after Parliament returns from the summer recess. The Bill will then continue through the House of Commons before progressing to the House of Lords, where further debate, scrutiny and amendments may be proposed.
As the Bill continues its journey through Parliament, there will be further opportunities for MPs and members of the House of Lords to examine the proposals and consider whether changes should be made.
Why does independence matter?
Healthwatch was created to be a trusted and independent champion for people using health and social care services.
Many people tell us they are more comfortable sharing their experiences with an organisation that is separate from the NHS and local councils, particularly when discussing sensitive issues or situations where they feel they have not been listened to. Independence helps build confidence that people's experiences will be heard and considered fairly.
Every year, thousands of people across North Yorkshire share their experiences with Healthwatch, helping to identify problems, highlight good practice and influence improvements.
Our independence allows us to:
- Listen to people's experiences without being part of the organisations providing, planning or paying for care.
- Raise issues openly when local people tell us something is not working.
- Publish findings and recommendations based on what people tell us.
- Share evidence with NHS and council decision-makers.
- Help make sure people's experiences are considered when decisions are made.
People also contact Healthwatch when they are unsure where to turn for information, advice or support. We help people understand their options, find the right organisation to contact and make informed decisions about their care.
Helping ensure all voices are heard
Healthwatch organisations play an important role in reaching people whose voices are often less likely to be heard.
In North Yorkshire, this has included work with farming communities, people from ethnic minority communities, disabled people and people with additional needs, new mums, carers, and people living in rural areas.
Many organisations have highlighted the importance of ensuring these voices continue to be heard as Parliament considers the proposed changes.
What are other organisations saying?
Several respected organisations and commentators have also stressed the importance of making sure people continue to have an independent way to share their experiences and influence improvements in care.
Many have also questioned whether moving these responsibilities into NHS and local authority organisations (councils) could affect public confidence in the independence of the feedback process, particularly when Healthwatch has already built trusted relationships with people and communities across North Yorkshire.
National Voices, which represents more than 200 health and care charities, has also published a briefing on the Health Bill. It warns that the proposed changes could weaken accountability by transferring Healthwatch functions into NHS and government structures.
The Local Government Association has also called for an independent way for local people to share their experiences and influence decisions about health and social care. In its briefing on the Health Bill, it said local Healthwatch provides an independent source of insight and challenge.
The Patients Association has also highlighted the importance of maintaining trusted, independent routes for people to share their experiences and help shape improvements in health and social care in its response to The King's Fund report on the Healthwatch model.
What does this mean for people in North Yorkshire?
At this stage, nothing changes for local people. Healthwatch North Yorkshire remains independent and continues to:
- Listen to people's experiences of health and social care.
- Provide information and help people find advice, information and support.
- Publish reports, findings and recommendations.
- Share evidence with NHS and council organisations.
- Help local people have their voices heard.
The proposals are still being considered by Parliament and could change before any final decision is made.
We will continue to follow developments closely and keep local people, volunteers, partners and stakeholders updated as the Bill progresses
