Date published: 11 November 2024 by Sophie Wichman

Speaking today, Rainbow Trust’s Chief Executive, Zillah Bingley, highlighted the potential impact of the employer's National Insurance (NI) increase on the charity’s vital work.

“Unlike the NHS services, Rainbow Trust will not be exempt from this NI increase, despite working directly alongside the NHS and relieving pressure on it. The NI increase could cost our charity an additional £90,000 each year – which from a direct cost perspective is enough to support around 75 families.

“The trailed government announcement in The Guardian today indicates potential support for hospices facing similar pressures. We agree with the government that families should ‘receive high-quality, personalised care in the most appropriate setting’ but it is not just hospices who have a ‘big role to play in that shift’; Rainbow Trust urges the government to consider all charities delivering critical, non-medical, end of life support to families alongside the NHS.

“As I noted in my letter to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, families in crisis rely on Rainbow Trust to help them cope during the toughest times, knowing that their child may not recover. I have already written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. We hope that government will recognise the unique position and role of charity providers and take action to protect the invaluable care we provide.”