MP accuses Government of ‘washing their hands’ over support for hospices

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has called on the Government to do more to support hospices struggling with the rising cost of energy bills.

Tim has accused the Government of washing their hands of the issue, after the Care Minister Helen Whately told him that it will up to local integrated boards to decide how much financial support to give to palliative and end-of-life care providers.

Hospices, which typically rely on charitable donations for 70%-80% of their running costs, and which are intensive users of gas and electricity, have reported facing energy bill rises of up to 350%.

Under the Government's new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, hospices can only access the same support as a pub, restaurant or shop, even though they provide essential healthcare to dying people.

Writing to the Minister for Care, Tim said: "As you are acutely aware, hospices are doing phenomenal work to step up to support the NHS which is under enormous pressure, by helping to reduce the number of people in hospitals. The outstanding care they provide to loved ones who are reaching the end of their lives is so utterly vital.

"However, many are facing a five-fold increase in their energy bills. For an organisation which typically relies on charitable donations for 70%-80% of their running costs, and which are intensive users of gas and electricity, this is clearly unsustainable.

"I am also aware that were it not for hospices during the covid pandemic, we would have seen many families in crisis as they have been the only organisations who have stepped up to provide carer relief and hospice at home services.

"Therefore, I was deeply troubled to read your letter to me yesterday where you stated that it would be 'for each ICB to decide how much of their share to give to palliative and end-of-life care providers.'

"The survival of hospices are absolutely critical to the future of health and care in our country, so it is simply unacceptable for you to wash your hands of this responsibility.

"Now is the time to strengthen rather than risk hospice services.

"I implore you to do all you can support hospices during these unprecedented difficult times."