More than £30k handed over to hospice by generous supporters

HOSPICE chiefs are hoping the Budget today will give them some respite from crippling costs and big demand for care and beds.

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A number of hospices around the country have had to close beds due to rising costs and a drop in income.

St Andrew's Hospice in Grimsby is strongly supported with donations and people leaving money in their wills. Organisers of the hospice appeal have a Big Give campaign next month and hope the Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have something to give hospices.

Last year, the Government announced £100million for upgrades and new technology for the 170 hospices in the UK.

Lesley Charlesworth-Browne, Deputy Chief Executive, said ahead of The Budget: “Whilst it’s difficult to predict what will feature in the forthcoming budget, St Andrew's and the hospice sector will have a close eye on the factors that could either diminish income or increase expenditure.”

She said this included:

■Rising employer costs (NICs, wages), which pose a continuing risk and, significantly increased our total wage costs in the previous fiscal year.

■Public funding that may be reduced in real terms due to the Government's fiscal position. This in turn may impact upon the creation of a fairer funding approach for hospices.

■Possible reforms to business rates and other property-related taxes

■Ongoing general cost pressures from inflation