Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Hospice Funding

19 December 2024 · 30 other contributors

Opened by Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Karin Smyth raised concerns about hospice funding in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister for Patient Safety, MP Karin Smyth, announced a 100 million investment for adult and children's hospices.
  • The government is offering 26 million specifically for children and young people's hospices for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
  • The funding will support improvements such as refurbishment, IT overhauls, and security enhancements.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Karin Smyth

The Minister for Patient Safety, MP Karin Smyth from Bristol South, made an announcement about the largest investment in hospices and end-of-life care in a generation. The Government is providing £100 million to adult and children’s hospices for improvements such as refurbishment, IT overhauls, and security enhancements. Additionally, they are offering £26 million to support children and young people's hospices specifically for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This funding aims to ensure that patients receive high-quality, compassionate care outside of hospitals in a dignified physical environment.

Other contributors (30)
  • Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

    Question

    The MP questioned the Government's actions, noting that despite promises to exempt hospices from increased employer national insurance contributions, they will still face financial strain. She asked for a clear answer on how much tax rises would cost hospices, whether an impact assessment was produced, and if the announced funding would cover additional costs in their entirety.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged that governing involves making choices and highlighted the Government's commitment to stabilizing healthcare funding within five months. She emphasised positive feedback from Hospice UK regarding the announcement and reiterated the importance of working with the sector on specifics in the new year.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham

    Question

    The MP asked how the £100 million investment will be allocated, whether through integrated care boards or directly to hospices.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirmed that integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and allocating funding. She highlighted the importance of enabling more people to receive treatment at home.

  • Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire

    Question

    The MP welcomed the investment but asked if it would cover increased national insurance contributions and the living wage increase announced in the Budget. She also requested future funding settlements to be provided promptly.

    Minister reply

    The Minister thanked the MP for her questions and reiterated that this investment is meant to help hospices manage some of their financial pressures, noting past underfunding during Conservative governance.

  • Josh Fenton-Glynn Lab Calder Valley

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that hospice staff should focus on caring for patients during Christmas and not fundraising? Will this funding support them in doing so?

    Minister reply

    The Minister agrees with the MP's point, confirming that the funding will allow hospices to focus on patient care.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Question

    Will St Helena Hospice in Colchester be fully compensated for the national insurance increase?

    Minister reply

    The Minister states that allocations will be announced for the whole sector in the new year.

  • Sarah Edwards Lab Tamworth

    Question

    Is the Department considering timing, not just funding, to enable better planning and staff planning?

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that stability and longer-term planning are important for hospices as part of a 10-year plan.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Will the extra funding cover the national insurance increase?

    Minister reply

    The Minister defends her Government's record and states that they are fast-tracking measures to support hospices.

  • Helena Dollimore Lab Co-op Hastings and Rye

    Question

    Will the Minister join in thanking staff at Saint Michael’s Hospice and Demelza hospice for their work?

    Minister reply

    The Minister agrees to support the MP's efforts and highlights the importance of funding for these organisations.

  • Caroline Voaden Lib Dem South Devon

    Question

    Is this additional funding, or just enough to cover extra costs from national insurance contributions?

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that the £100 million boost and £26 million revenue are additional funds to support hospices.

  • Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that the Scottish Government should match the level of investment announced today?

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges this is a devolved issue but hopes that Scotland will match England's ambition.

  • Neil O'Brien Con Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

    Question

    Will the Government exempt charities from national insurance increases to avoid devastating impacts?

    Minister reply

    The Minister defends her Government's record, implying that previous opportunities were available for change.

  • Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

    Question

    Will the Minister join in thanking Keech hospice staff and volunteers?

    Minister reply

    The Minister supports the work of volunteers and highlights their importance for end-of-life care.

  • Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley

    Question

    Will today’s funding cover NICs increases, previously taken away by her Government?

    Minister reply

    The Minister defends the current government's record and states that they are providing extra investment.

  • Warinder Juss Lab Wolverhampton West

    Question

    Will the Minister join in thanking Compton Care hospice for their work?

    Minister reply

    The Minister thanks Compton Care and highlights the importance of round-the-clock care.

  • Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove

    Question

    Inquires about the inclusion of a specific workforce plan for hospices in the NHS's 10-year strategy to support staff stability.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the need for workforce support through the 10-year plan and encourages continued input from hon. Members.

  • Matthew Patrick Lab Wirral West

    Question

    Welcomes funding increases and requests a thank you to Claire House hospice in Wirral West.

    Minister reply

    Thanked the MP for his contribution and acknowledged the important work of the Claire House hospice.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    Question

    Asks for a categorical assurance that specific details about extra funding will be provided to local hospices by January.

    Minister reply

    States they will work with the sector in the new year before making allocations accordingly.

  • Gareth Snell Lab Co-op Stoke-on-Trent Central

    Question

    Asks about oversight to ensure funding reaches local hospices and does not fill budget deficits elsewhere.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the need for ICBs to work with providers to understand needs and allocate funds appropriately.

  • Seamus Logan SNP Aberdeenshire North and Moray East

    Question

    Asks about Barnett consequentials for Scotland and how problems faced by Marie Curie in Scotland will be addressed.

    Minister reply

    Admits that the Scottish Government are responsible for managing their funds and suggests voting for a new government if dissatisfied.

  • Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield

    Question

    Asks about long-term sustainable funding for hospices, especially statutory funding and community involvement.

    Minister reply

    States the 10-year plan will address this need as previous governments did not support end-of-life care adequately.

  • John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings

    Question

    Asks about the impact of national insurance increases on charities, hospices, and pharmacies and whether consultations were held.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges previous governments' lack of support over 14 years but criticises the current government's NI increase.

  • Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North

    Question

    Welcomes funding increases and asks for confirmation that every person will have access to high-quality end-of-life care.

    Minister reply

    Confirms commitment to ensuring high-quality end-of-life care, emphasising the importance of hospices and home care.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    Question

    Requests full and timely funding from ICBs for local hospices and inquires about plans to address closure of an end-of-life ward.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates that commissioning services is the responsibility of ICBs and encourages MPs to pursue ICBs for proper funding.

  • Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin

    Question

    Thanks minister for listening on palliative care issues and asks for assurance that it will remain a priority.

    Minister reply

    Supports the MP's work with local providers, highlighting personal involvement by the Minister for Care.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Question

    Inquires about specific impact of NI rises on Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice and requests an impact assessment.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges additional funding but criticises previous government's lack of support for health sector.

  • Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex

    Question

    Visited St Catherine’s and St Peter and St James hospices before the Budget, found them quiet and empty due to lack of funding. The budget has worsened this situation with NIC increases. Will the announced funding cover these NIC costs?

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged that the NHS sector has been under pressure since the Lansley reforms. Emphasised the Government's commitment to rebuilding a sustainable and future-fit NHS, covering everything from diagnosis to end-of-life care.

  • Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire

    Question

    Asked about the impact of NIC increases on Keech hospice in Bedfordshire. Does the Minister believe that the hospice will be better or worse off next year as a result of the Budget and today's announcement?

    Minister reply

    Replied that she is not dragged to respond but happy to address concerns. Stressed that under this Government, the health sector will be better supported compared to previous years.

  • Gideon Amos Lib Dem Taunton and Wellington

    Question

    Expressed gratitude for carers in his constituency during Christmas. Inquired about additional funding needed by registered care providers due to NIC changes. Asked where the money will come from to cover these increased costs.

    Minister reply

    Noted that the Government has allocated an extra £12 billion this year for health and care sectors, with full details on allocations expected in the new year.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Welcomed the funding announcement but questioned whether discussions have been held to secure NIC exemptions for hospice workers. Also asked about support provided to carers in the community.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the importance of supporting carers and announced plans to discuss further allocations and support measures for carers in the new year.

Shadow Comment

Caroline Johnson

The Conservative Member Caroline Johnson from Sleaford and North Hykeham criticised the Government's decision to increase employer national insurance contributions, affecting hospices' funding. She questioned the sincerity of the £100 million boost, noting that hospices are already suffering due to the tax rises and lack of clear information on how these will affect them financially.

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