URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED FOR HOSPICE SECTOR
In Parliament today, James raised concerns on behalf of Norfolk Hospice of the impact on its finances of national restrictions with the Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The government’s financial support has included £750 million to the charitable sector, with £200 million for hospices. However Norfolk Hospice has told James that it will lose £100,000 income as a result of the closure of charity shops under lockdown measures.
Ahead of a meeting between the sector with the Care Minister tomorrow, James urged the government to put another in place another urgent support package for hospices who play such an important role for patients and their families facing a terminal diagnosis.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury recognised the importance of the sector and assured James that he would continue to work with him on this issue.
Text of the exchange:
James Wild MP: “The government’s financial support included a very welcome £200 m for hospices however Norfolk Hospice in my constituency has warned that the National Restrictions and closure of charity shops will result in a loss of income for them of £100,000. So can my RHF ensure that when the Care Minister meets the sector tomorrow a package of urgent support can be put in place for them, their patients, and their families?”
Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: “My HF raises an issue that unites the House in terms of the huge value of the work done by the hospice movement. That was recognised when as part of the £750 million of support for the charitable sector, the hospice movement was specifically recognised. I’m very happy to continue working but we recognise the importance of that sector.”
