PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(1 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when HPV self-sampling kits will become available through the NHS in the Black Country; how many people in Walsall Borough are expected to be eligible; and what steps will be taken to prevent differences in local commissioning decisions from creating unequal access to home testing.

Asked by:
Wendy Morton (Conservative)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing was launched in a gradual roll out nationally through the NHS Cervical Screening Programme from 25 August 2026. Individuals aged 30 to 65 years old who have been identified nationally as falling behind in their screening will be specifically invited by the programme to order an HPV self-test kit.

Currently, approximately 71% of people in Walsall eligible for cervical screening are up to date with their screening. People from the Walsall area who have been identified nationally to receive self-testing invitations will be starting to receive them now, as part of the gradual roll out.

NHS England is working with relevant partners to support awareness and understanding among those invited to take part in the programme. In addition, a community engagement project will be undertaken by the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, which may act as a basis for similar initiatives in other parts of the country.

Answered by:
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