Hospices 'on financial brink' as 40% plan to make cuts

Hospices are "on the brink" and two in five are planning to make cuts this year despite the importance of end-of-life care if assisted dying becomes legal, the sector has warned before the first House of Lords debate on the legislation.

- Rowena Mason

Hospice UK, which represents the sector, said many were financially struggling and still "in the dark" about how funding for end-of-life care will be improved when assisted dying legislation is passed.

The terminally ill (adults) legislation is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords today, with Charlie Falconer, a Labour peer, the co-sponsor of the bill, taking over from the MP Kim Leadbeater.

Before the debate, Falconer expressed optimism that it would pass through the Lords in time for it to become law by the spring. "There is more than enough time for the Lords to scrutinise the bill and return it to the Commons before the end of the parliamentary session," he said.

"If there are ways that peers believe it can be further strengthened and improved, then Kim Leadbeater and I will be very open to considering them."

Peers may attempt to amend the legislation, and any changes voted through would go back to the House of Commons for consideration.