ROWCROFT Hospice has joined other organisations calling for the Government to protect end-of-life care.
The hospice, which cares for people across south Devon, is taking action following the Budget which increased substantial hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for the voluntary sector.
Rowcroft Hospice is urging the Chancellor to protect charities and their essential services from these costs.
The new Budget plans will result in an estimated £225,000 increase in annual costs for Rowcroft, due to rises in employer NICs and the national living wage.
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This will place a severe financial burden on the hospice and potentially impacting the care that the charity provides to families in South Devon during their most challenging times.
Rowcroft Hospice, along with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), is calling on the community to support an open letter urging the government to exempt charities from these increased NICs in order to preserve vital community services. Rowcroft’s CEO, Mark Hawkins, expressed deep concerns about the impact of these changes.
He said: ‘With some hospices already cutting services due to escalating costs, rising demand for end-of-life care, and stagnant funding, we’re now facing the additional burden of increased National Insurance contributions and salaries.
‘We’re at a critical juncture with costs that are not sustainable under the current funding framework. ‘These additional financial pressures introduced by the latest Budget make it harder for us to deliver the essential, dignified end-of-life care that our community deserves.’
While recent statements by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledge the inadequacies of hospice funding, Rowcroft remains concerned that the latest Budget announcement fails to address this critical funding gap.
Mark added: 'Without an exemption from the rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions, Rowcroft Hospice and other hospices face difficult choices that could impact our ability to provide the outstanding care our patients and their families rely on.
'This is a time to act - not only for those we care for but also to ease the burden on the NHS, allowing people to die in their preferred place with the dignity, care and comfort they deserve.’
Rowcroft Hospice is appealing to the South Devon community for support in co-signing the open letter and advocating for government action to safeguard end-of-life care.
Additionally, the charity is encouraging people to make a regular donation to the hospice.
Mark added: 'Regular donations are a fantastic way to support the hospice.
'They enable us to plan for the future while directly funding the frontline care provided by Rowcroft’s dedicated nursing team, making a tangible impact for families across South Devon.
‘We’re so grateful for the support of our community at this difficult time.’
To sign the open letter, please go to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations website at www.ncvo.org.uk
With an increasingly ageing local population, the demand for Rowcroft’s care has never been greater. The charity currently cares for around one in three people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.