Today, when giving evidence to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee, the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, confirmed that the UK Government will be providing an additional £25 million in capital expenditure funding for both adult and children’s hospices.
Reacting to the additional capital funding, Nick Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Together for Short Lives said:
We warmly welcome the government’s decision to provide an additional £25 million in capital funding for hospices. Like the previous capital funding provided, this investment can help children’s hospices upgrade their facilities and further enhance their care environments for seriously ill children and their families.
However, while this announcement is positive, it does not address the urgent need for sustainable revenue funding. Children’s hospices remain under significant financial pressure. Not only are they underfunded with only 30% of their costs covered by the state compared to 40% for adult hospices, but funding from integrated care boards (ICBs) is patchy and inconsistent.
As we move into 2026 and the government continues to develop the Modern Service Framework (MSF) for palliative and end of life care, we urge ministers to recognise and address these challenges. Without urgent action, lifeline children’s hospices services will be at risk, leaving families without the vital care and support they rely on. We look forward to continuing to work with ministers and officials as the MSF is developed.”