Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, recently visited Farleigh Hospice in Broomfield, Chelmsford to hear first-hand how Labour’s rise in National Insurance contributions is affecting local care providers.
During a roundtable discussion, interim Chief Executive Michelle Kabia explained that the hospice now needs to find an extra £250,000 just to maintain current services to cover the added cost of the Government’s NI changes. Mrs Badenoch described this as “extraordinary” and a clear example of the hidden pressures created by Labour’s Jobs Tax.
Ms Kabia emphasised the importance of having multiple income streams, noting that Farleigh values its independence as a charity and does not rely entirely on NHS funding. She warned that without this diversity, essential services could be at risk.
Mrs Badenoch spent time touring the hospice’s facilities, meeting patients receiving palliative care, and speaking with staff and volunteers about the emotional and financial challenges they face. She also shared her own experience of losing her father to terminal illness.
Raising the situation of Farleigh Hospice at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mrs Badenoch asked the Prime Minister how the hospice, which relies on donations, is expected to pay for Labour’s tax hike. The Prime Minister did not directly answer the question.
The Labour Government has previously rejected Conservative attempts to exempt hospices like Farleigh from the increase in National Insurance— exemptions designed not only to safeguard current services, but to ensure these vital community assets can continue their life-changing work.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
“Farleigh Hospice does an extraordinary job supporting families at their most difficult moments.
“Imposing an additional £250,000 burden just to stand still is neither fair nor sustainable. Hospice care should be protected, not penalised—Labour must listen and exempt these essential services from their NI hike.”
