Government has announced that Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations, including Healthwatch Oxfordshire, will be retained and strengthened. The future of the local watchdog had been under threat since the publication of the Health Bill in May 2026, with abolition planned alongside NHS England. However, with concerns raised in Parliament through an Early Day Motion in June, Ministers have scrapped plans. However, although the new lease of life has been welcomed, health bodies are advocating for a better funding arrangements for the Healthwatch framework.