Healthwatch
Councils are discussing the future of Healthwatch, an independent consumer champion for health and social care, as its statutory functions are set to end in March 2027.
The future of independent local voice organisations is under discussion, with plans reported in September 2026 to preserve them. This follows the UK government's stated intention in June 2025 to abolish Healthwatch's statutory functions, which are planned to end in March 2027.
Against this backdrop, local Health and Wellbeing Boards are reviewing their roles. Hammersmith and Fulham's Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed its future direction and scope in June 2026 due to significant shifts in the health and social care landscape. Islington's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed strategies for embedding resident and community insight into decision-making in July 2026.
No upcoming meetings are currently listed for this topic. Healthwatch is a network of local organisations that gather and represent the views of people who use health and social care services, acting as an independent consumer champion for the sector.
Key facts
- Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed its future direction in June 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.