An Update on Healthwatch West Berks, and What Happens Next

Your Voice Still Matters: A Healthwatch Update

Many people have been asking what the future holds for Healthwatch. We want to provide a clear update on where things stand, what has been happening in Parliament, and what it means for our work locally.

The short answer is this: Healthwatch West Berkshire is still here, still independent, and still working hard to make sure local people are heard.

What's happening nationally?

Earlier this year, the Government introduced the Health Bill, which includes proposals to abolish both Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch services as they currently operate. The Government says these changes are intended to simplify NHS structures and reduce bureaucracy.

The Bill completed its stages in the House of Commons in September and has now moved to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.

Importantly, concerns were raised by MPs, peers, health organisations and patient representatives about the potential loss of an independent voice for patients and the public.

As a result, Health Minister Karin Smyth told Parliament that the Government would review the proposals affecting Healthwatch and continue discussions as the Bill progresses through the Lords.

The latest from the House of Lords

The Health Bill received its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 13 October 2026, where peers began detailed consideration of the proposals.

The House of Lords now has the opportunity to scrutinise the Bill further, propose amendments, and challenge any areas of concern before it progresses to later stages. The Government has already indicated that it is willing to revisit aspects of the proposals relating to Healthwatch. This means that the future arrangements are not yet finalised.

What does this mean locally?

For now, nothing changes.

Healthwatch continues to:

• Listen to people's experiences of health and social care.

• Highlight what's working well and where improvements are needed.

• Share evidence with NHS organisations, councils, and decision-makers.

• Help people find information and access support.

Our statutory powers and responsibilities remain unchanged while Parliament considers the Bill.

What happens next?

The Bill will continue its journey through the House of Lords, where further debate and amendments may take place. If changes are agreed, the Bill may return to the House of Commons for consideration before eventually becoming law. [bills.parliament.uk]

At this stage, there remains uncertainty about the final outcome, but one thing is clear: the importance of hearing directly from patients, carers, families and communities has never been greater.

Our commitment

While national discussions continue, our focus remains firmly local.

We will continue to listen to your experiences, champion your views, and work alongside health and care services to help improve care for everyone in West Berkshire.

Whatever changes may come in the future, we remain committed to ensuring that local people have a voice in shaping the services they use.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences with us. Every story, every piece of feedback and every conversation helps make a difference.