Lack of consistent government support leaves hospices struggling with funding deficits and creating disparities in palliative care access.

Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the increasing dependence of hospices on charity donations, with little backing from government funding, leading to growing financial strains and a “postcode lottery” for palliative care. MPs on both sides of the House of Commons expressed alarm over the situation, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges faced by hospices in providing essential services.

Richard Drax, Conservative MP for South Dorset, who has personal ties to the hospice sector, stated that hospices are excessively reliant on public generosity to survive. He explained that approximately two-thirds of adult hospice services’ funding comes from charitable fundraising, with a staggering four-fifths of funds for children’s services also relying on donations. Drax called for a well-funded, sustainable funding model to ensure hospices could continue offering crucial care without relying on charity.

Sally-Ann Hart, Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye, also stressed that the current funding model is unsustainable, placing unnecessary pressure on hospices. She explained that hospices rely heavily on the generosity of local donors, but this model is neither reliable nor scalable, and it jeopardises the sector’s long-term viability. Hart emphasised the need for better end-of-life care and highlighted the increasing strain on services due to rising operational costs.

Labour MP Colleen Fletcher from Coventry North East called for more sustainable and resilient funding to address the inequality and lack of access to hospice services, which vary significantly across different regions. Fletcher argued that fair and sufficient funding is essential for meeting the demand for hospice care, whether in inpatient units or at-home services.

Peter Gibson, Conservative MP for Darlington, described the funding issue as “a matter of life and death,” noting that while the government provided substantial financial support to hospices during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have since failed to secure increased funding to cope with rising operational costs.

Former Conservative minister Dame Maria Miller raised concerns about the potential for hospices to be absorbed by the NHS, which could undermine their independence and their ability to provide flexible, personalised care. She called for longer-term contracts and more certainty in funding for hospices, ensuring they can plan effectively for the future.

Health Minister Helen Whately responded by reiterating the government’s commitment to a “localised approach” through integrated care boards (ICBs), which are responsible for commissioning healthcare services. While acknowledging the challenges, Whately stated that there are no easy solutions and promised continued efforts to ensure that palliative and end-of-life care receives the attention and support it requires.