A campaign to redirect FCA fines to the UK’s hospice sector gains substantial backing.
- More than 40 MPs and 30 hospices support not-for-profit Box Power CIC’s initiative.
- The campaign addresses a £70 million funding shortfall faced by hospices.
- 36,000 have signed a petition urging MPs to back the financial allocation motion.
- MPs will deliver a campaign letter to 10 Downing Street, seeking government action.
A groundbreaking campaign has been launched by Box Power CIC, a not-for-profit energy consultancy, proposing that the first £100 million of annual Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fines be allocated to the UK’s struggling hospice sector. This initiative has received widespread support, with over 40 MPs and peers, alongside 30 hospices, stepping forward to back the effort.
The campaign originated from a Change.org petition that has garnered the signatures of 36,000 supporters. This public movement is calling for individuals to urge their Members of Parliament to support the allocation of funds to hospices, which face severe financial shortages. A letter backing this motion is set to be delivered to 10 Downing Street on December 10th, marking a pivotal moment in the push for change.
Hospices across the nation are grappling with a significant £70 million funding shortfall. This financial gap has led to job losses and reduced operational hours, highlighting the dire need for sustainable funding solutions. The current NHS contributions cover just 10% to 25% of the operating costs of hospices, prompting calls from organisations such as Hospice UK for a long-term governmental response.
Box Power CIC, founded by Corin and Tricia Dalby, is leading this charge. Known as the UK’s first philanthropic energy consultancy, the organisation has a strong track record of charitable donations, including £800,000 contributed to local Northwest charities since its inception in 2014. The company aims to secure the majority support of MPs to funnel FCA fines towards ending hospice funding pressures.
Cross-party political support has been a cornerstone of this campaign, with MPs from various constituencies, including notable figures such as Stuart Andrew and Phil Brickell, expressing their firm backing. Stuart Andrew, who worked in hospices for 16 years, emphasised the importance of supporting the sector, acknowledging the continuing challenges it faces. Brickell echoed these sentiments, noting the vital role hospices play in community healthcare.
The distribution of FCA fines, which this year have amounted to £174 million, is seen as a potential relief method for the hospice sector. With recent hefty fines for major banks such as Barclays and Macquarie, the campaign posits a sensible redistribution of these funds to directly support hospice services nationwide.
The campaign to allocate FCA fines to hospices continues to gather momentum, promising potential change for the sector.
