Charity boss welcomes promise to protect hospices

The chief executive of Treetops Hospice has welcomed a pledge by the Health Secretary to protect hospices from the impact of tax rises.

Based in Risley, the charity, which provides vital care and support to over 2,000 people living with life-limiting illnesses in Derbyshire, relies on fundraising to cover over £4.3 million a year to maintain its services.

The recently proposed rise in National Insurance Contributions, announced during the Budget, would add an additional financial burden on the charity, requiring them to raise an extra £120,000 to meet the increased costs.

However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has recently promised to adjust government grants to ensure hospices, including Treetops, are protected from the financial implications which come with the proposed tax increases.

Julie Heath, chief executive at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are facing challenging times, and the proposed increase in National Insurance Contributions would have a significant impact on our finances.

“As the local hospice serving the people of Derbyshire, we don’t just provide care, we offer a place of comfort and support for families during their most difficult moments.

“Having to find an additional £120,000 next year to cover these increased costs would put pressure on our ability to deliver the high-quality care we are known for.

“Wes Streeting’s pledge to make sure hospices are protected is welcome news to Treetops.

“We look forward to hearing more details about the plan before Christmas, and we hope it will help secure the future of hospices across the UK.”