The UK Government has announced an £80 million funding package for children’s hospices in England, providing a multi‑year settlement aimed at stabilising services that have long struggled with financial uncertainty and reliance on donations.
The UK Government has confirmed an £80 million boost for children’s hospices, to be distributed over the next three years. The announcement was made by Care Minister Stephen Kinnock, who said the settlement would provide “crucial certainty” for hospices supporting seriously ill children and their families.
Addressing Funding Shortfalls
Children’s hospices in England have faced persistent funding gaps, with many relying heavily on public donations to sustain operations. Leaders in the sector have repeatedly warned of a “cliff edge” in care provision, with some services at risk of closure. The new funding will provide £26 million annually, adjusted for inflation, to help secure staffing, specialist equipment, and palliative care programmes.
Sector Response
Hospice organisations welcomed the announcement as a “significant first step” toward long‑term sustainability. They stressed, however, that while the settlement offers stability, further reforms are needed to ensure hospices are not forced to depend so heavily on charitable fundraising.
Wider Context
Across England, children’s hospices provide vital end‑of‑life and respite care for thousands of families facing unimaginable challenges. The funding comes amid broader debates about the future of palliative care funding, with campaigners urging the government to embed hospice support more firmly within NHS budgets.
Looking Ahead
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that the funding will be channelled through Integrated Care Boards, ensuring resources reach local services directly. Ministers said the settlement reflects a commitment to ensuring that “no family is left without support at the most difficult time.”
Summary: The £80 million, three‑year funding package marks a major intervention to stabilise children’s hospices in England, offering financial certainty after years of shortfalls. While welcomed by the sector, campaigners continue to call for a more permanent funding model to safeguard these essential services.
UK Parliament, House of Commons Picture by HANNAH MCKAY from NDLA
Sources: UK Department of Health and Social Care; Mediendienst Integration; LBC; GOV.UK press release (16 Oct 2025).