Tom challenges Government on Hospice Funding Crisis

Tom Morrison MP has challenged the Government in Parliament over the hospice funding crisis affecting vital services like Moya Cole Hospice in Heald Green.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Tom highlighted how hospices provide incredible support to people and families at the most difficult times, but are being forced to rely on coffee mornings and jumble sales to fund essential services.

"Moya Cole Hospice in Heald Green is a shining example of a hospice that does fantastic work in a very tough economic situation," Tom said. "But it should not have to rely on fundraising to fund its most essential services."

Liberal Democrat research shows that almost half of hospices in the UK are planning cuts this year. Between 2022 and 2024, hospices faced a £47 million real-terms funding cut.

The situation is made worse by a shocking postcode lottery. Currently, just one third of hospice funding comes from the NHS, with NHS spending varying wildly from over £10 per head in some areas to just 23p in others.

In response, the Minister pointed to one-off capital funding announcements, but failed to address the need for long-term sustainable funding that hospices desperately need.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent action to fix hospice funding, including ending the postcode lottery by allocating funding based on need rather than local fundraising capacity, exempting hospices from National Insurance increases, and establishing a sustainable funding model integrated with the NHS.

Hospices already care for around 300,000 people each year and provide care that costs far less than hospital-based alternatives, while delivering the dignity and comfort people deserve at the end of life.

Tom is campaigning for proper, sustainable hospice funding so that services like Moya Cole can continue their vital work without constant financial uncertainty.

Learn more about the Liberal Democrat campaign at: www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/dont-nix-care-protecting-our-hospices