A Solihull MP has voiced strong opposition to the proposed abolition of a local health watchdog, arguing it would silence patients in some of the most deprived areas of his constituency. Saqib Bhatti, the Conservative MP for Meriden and Solihull East, expressed deep concern over the government's plan to scrap Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull, warning that patients would lose their ability to have their views properly heard in the future.
Healthwatch's role under threat
Healthwatch was established over a decade ago under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, with the mission of giving patients a stronger say in how health and social care services are delivered. It operates as an independent statutory body that patients can contact to help improve NHS standards. The government's Health Bill, however, would abolish Healthwatch England along with all 153 local Healthwatch services, including the one covering Birmingham and Solihull. Under the new plans, the watchdog's functions would be absorbed into local councils and integrated care boards.
During a House of Commons debate on the bill on June 1, Health Secretary James Murray explained the rationale: “This measure is about making sure patient voices at national and local level are closer to those deciding on and delivering services so that those voices are heard.”
MP: Healthwatch gives voice to the voiceless
But Mr Bhatti countered during the same debate, saying: “I do have great concern about the abolition of Healthwatch. There is a new mechanism that’s being created that will take away patient voices and patient independence. They (local Healthwatch services) play a really important role in gathering local intelligence. I have two of the most deprived wards in the country in my constituency and Healthwatch plays a really important role in giving a voice to the voiceless.”
The most deprived wards in the MP's constituency lie to the north, encompassing Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst and Fordbridge, and Smith's Wood. A Solihull Council report published in 2024 found that 52% of people in north Solihull live in one of the most deprived 20% of neighbourhoods in England, including 11% who reside in the most deprived 5%.
Healthwatch chair warns of 'damaging' consequences
Richard Burden, chair of Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull, has previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that scrapping the watchdog would be a 'sad day'. He said: “Scrapping Healthwatch England is dangerous and dismantling local Healthwatches like ours would be just as damaging. Birmingham and Solihull Healthwatch has played a central role in exposing management failure and toxic culture at the biggest hospital trust in the Midlands. Public scrutiny and the independence of our voice have been crucial in forcing change on a closed system. Without that pressure, it would have been too easy for NHS management to avoid tackling the issue.”
The debate highlights a growing divide over the government's plans, with critics arguing that moving patient advocacy closer to service providers risks undermining the independence needed to hold the NHS to account.
