Public Bill Committee Call for Evidence: Health Bill

The Health Bill was introduced in the King’s Speech to parliament (as the NHS Modernisation Bill) on 13th May 2026. It had its second reading on 1st June 2026, and the Public Bill Committee opened a call for evidence.

The Bill focuses on structural change, with its main purpose being to abolish NHS England (NHSE) and transfer its functions to either Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) or the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), including transferring some powers directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (SoS).

In our submission, we call for the new legislation to complement and support, not undermine, the statutory function of both the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Director of Public Health.