Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how the Care Quality Commission has enabled Healthwatch England to set the direction of its own work.

The Government and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) both recognise the independent statutory role of Healthwatch England (HWE) in championing the views of those who use health and care services. Although the Health and Social Care Act 2012 established HWE as a statutory committee of the CQC, HWE sets its own priorities, has its own brand identity, and speaks with an independent voice. This arrangement is set out in the CQC’s formal framework agreement with the Department.

Following the Government’s commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan to incorporate the functions of HWE into a new Patient Experience Directorate within the Department, the CQC has been working closely with HWE on all aspects of a closure programme. This work includes engaging with relevant trade unions and regular meetings to plan for the abolishment of HWE in its current format.