Official Statement: Healthwatch Manchester's Chair responds to government plans to abolish local Healthwatch

As the Chair of Healthwatch Manchester, I am deeply concerned by the government’s proposal to bring public voice functions, under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies, undermining the independence, that makes public feedback effective.

For over a decade, Healthwatch Manchester has served as a trusted and impartial voice, for members of the public, carers, and communities. Our statutory independence enables us to speak truth to power, challenge poor practice and amplify the experiences of those too often unheard. This is often our most vulnerable citizens, and those with the most complex needs. We work constructively with local systems, but always with the freedom to raise concerns without fear or favour.

The changes, announced after the DASH review and 10-year plan publication, risk removing this independence. I agree with Healthwatch leader colleagues, who have said this independence is vital, for a trusted public voice on health and social care. Bringing public voice functions in-house, risks creating a system where feedback is filtered, inconvenient truths are softened, and accountability is diluted. It sends the wrong message, at a time when public trust in institutions must be rebuilt, not eroded.

We have countless examples of where people have chosen to share their experiences with Healthwatch Manchester, instead of providers, due to fear of repercussions, previous experiences of concerns being dismissed, or lack of access. People often tell us, we are the first service to truly listen and the only one that follows up on their experiences, to ensure that they receive the support needed.

An independent public voice is essential to creating a health and care system that people can trust. Without genuine external scrutiny, there is a real risk that services are left to hold themselves to account, rather than being shaped and improved by the people they serve. We are proud of the impact we have made in and across Manchester and Greater Manchester and remain committed to protecting this vital independence for the future.

Thus, Healthwatch Manchester is calling on system leaders and partners to work together to protect this independence, ensuring people’s voices continue to shape fair, responsive, and trustworthy health and care services.

- Amanda Smith, Chair of Healthwatch Manchester