It has been a challenging time for the hospice sector over the last few years due to the rising cost of living. Hospices play a vital role in local communities by providing high-quality, compassionate care at the end of life.
Under the previous Government, the Children’s Hospice Grant was extended to provide an additional £25 million of funding for children and young people’s hospices in 2024/25. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are responsible for allocating this funding.
Through the Health and Care Act 2022, ICBs also have a wider duty to commission palliative and end of life care services, and it is important that they give sufficient priority to meet the needs of their local populations.
The Government has stated that it will be considering next steps for hospices over the coming months, and the Conservative Opposition will be holding them to account for ensuring hospices in our community receive adequate, sustainable funding.
DS