Hospices: Govt must reverse NI hike to deliver real change

EMBARGO: 00:01 Thursday 16th October 2025

Commenting on the Government's announcement on hospice funding, Liberal Democrat Care and Carers spokesperson Alison Bennett MP said: 

"While this announcement goes some way to help children’s hospices, it entirely ignores the profound issues in funding adult hospices. The Government must go much further to deliver the real change hospices are crying out for.

“For starters, to have any chance of tackling this ticking time bomb, the Government must reverse their cruel National Insurance hike that cost hospices £34 million last year, and make sure funding keeps pace with local need.

“For too long, the vital role played by hospices in our health and care system has been overlooked. The Liberal Democrats are campaigning to save the nation’s hospices. Everybody should have access to the very best palliative care, and to dignity at the end of life. This will never happen while government ministers are burying their heads in the sand."

ENDS