Sign our petition to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch and protect the independent voice

7th August 2025

In light of the government’s proposals to abolish local Healthwatch and therefore remove the only collective, independent and statutory opportunity for the public to hold the NHS and social care system to account, local Healthwatch have put together a petition to protect the independent voice. This calls on the government to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch. We ask for your support in signing it: Review decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch – Petitions

Why is it important?

USPs of independent public voice initiatives:

Being an independent critical friend – working constructively with local stakeholders, but always with the freedom to raise concerns without fear or favour. Services can’t be held to account by the same bodies that fund or manage them. Independence is essential for honest feedback and meaningful scrutiny.
Amplifying the collective voices of people at risk of health inequalities – speaking to people experiencing health inequalities and asking about the barriers to accessing services. The new plan relies heavily on individuals feeding back to the services they use. Listening to communities is essential to the successful delivery of services.
Driven by communities – based on what people with lived experience say, with no other taskmaster or agenda. Designed to be owned and governed by communities with their best interest at heart.
A bridge across sectors – people do not fit neatly into one box, they often experience and need services across multiple providers. Connecting VCSE organisations, local authorities, health services, and communities to build more integrated and inclusive services.
Independent, trusted and impartial – people want an independent service because they often lack trust and fear repercussions sharing their feedback direct with those providing their care. They find provider feedback routes difficult to navigate or have shared in the past and feel that they have not been heard.

Healthwatch Surrey’s annual report video highlight the changes they have made throughout the year, reflecting the above: https://www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Annual-report-video-2024-2025.mp4.

Local Healthwatch believe Government needs to:

Invest in and strengthen independent public voice
Engage with local Healthwatch leaders to co-design a future that puts people first
Recognise the role independent voice can play in supporting the three shifts outlined in the 10 year health plan– by providing constructive challenge and supporting coproduction, particularly with those communities facing the greatest health and care needs.

People need a voice in the future of health and care. This must stay independent.