Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to regulate the provision of botulinum injections.

In 2021 the Government introduced the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act to prevent children aged under 18 years old in England from accessing botulinum toxin and filler treatments for cosmetic purposes. Additionally, as part of the Health and Care Act 2022, the Government introduced legislation to give the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the power to introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes.

The licensing scheme will ensure that practitioners offering specified procedures are suitably knowledgeable, trained, and qualified, hold appropriate indemnity cover and operate from premises which meet the necessary standards of hygiene, infection control and cleanliness. Following engagement with stakeholders, on 2 September 2023 we launched the first public consultation on the scope of the licensing scheme. The consultation will run until 28 October 2023.