I would like to inform the House of several updates from the Department of Health and Social Care over the summer recess.
Licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England
On 7 August the Government published our response to the 2023 consultation on the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. The response confirms the Government’s commitment to introduce legal restrictions to ensure that cosmetic procedures that are deemed to pose the highest level of risk to the public, such as the liquid Brazilian butt lift, are classed as Care Quality Commission regulated activities that can be performed only by specified regulated healthcare professionals.
The response also signals the Government’s commitment to developing and implementing a local authority licensing scheme for lower-risk, non-surgical cosmetic procedures using the powers granted through section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022, and to introducing age restrictions for those undergoing cosmetic procedures.
The proposals will be developed through further stakeholder engagement and public consultation before being taken forward through secondary legislation and the requisite parliamentary processes.
Voluntary guidelines for commercial baby food and drink
On 22 August the Government published new voluntary guidelines for commercial baby food and drink as part of our ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.
These guidelines challenge baby food manufacturers to reduce levels of salt and sugar and to improve product labelling. Businesses have 18 months to meet the guidelines, and we will monitor progress.
Data from the national diet and nutrition survey shows that more than two thirds of children aged 18 months to three years are eating too much sugar. This increases the risk of weight gain and dental decay in the crucial early years of development.
Reducing salt and sugar in products means that parents and carers across England will be able to buy healthier food and drinks for their children. Clearer labelling guidelines will help parents understand what food they are buying, and support healthier choices.
Chickenpox vaccination programme for children
On 29 August the Government announced that we will be introducing a vaccine to protect against chickenpox into the routine childhood immunisation schedule from January 2026.
Eligible children will receive the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, at routine GP vaccination appointments.
The vaccine will help reduce cases of chickenpox and protect children from serious complications that can cause hospitalisation and potentially death.
Eligibility for vaccination will be based on a child’s age on 1 January 2026, with further details to be announced later this year.
The vaccination programme supports the Government’s ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children and ensure that young people thrive as part of our 10-year health plan.
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