An interview with chart-topping singer Gareth Gates

Tess Egginton
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An interview with chart-topping singer Gareth Gates
Gareth Gates gained national fame as the runner-up on the first season of Pop Idol in 2002 before going on to enjoy a successful career in music and theatre, with numerous chart-topping singles, platinum albums, and leading roles in major West End productions. Ahead of his new show, ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’, which will visit Grimsby Auditorium on Thursday 27 March, Lincolnshire Today caught up with Gareth to talk about the show, his long career, and what the future holds, including a meaningful new musical focusing on a subject close to his heart — stammering.   You’ve had a long and multifaceted career in music, from releasing chart-toppers to success in musical theatre. When did your passion for singing begin? As a child I had a debilitating stammer. School was very tough, I was badly bullied and sometimes beaten because of my stammer. Fortunately, at the age of eight I discovered I could sing, and this changed my whole world, because finally I could get out of me what was in me; I could get words out of my mouth. My love for music really started because it became my only form of expression. I then went on to do lots of great things, selling records, with five number ones, did big arena tours, and then ended up doing quite a bit of theatre, which was great. I did Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde, and Footloose to name a few. I’m now producing shows, including this show I’m bringing to Grimsby — ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’. My biggest hit and first ever number one was a song called Unchained Melody, which was made famous by the movie Ghost, and this got me thinking that some of the world’s greatest love songs are from movies, and that synergy between music and film is very, very powerful. We’ve put together a great show full of those big hits from the likes of Titanic, A Star Is Born, Armageddon, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, to name a few, so we’re very excited. In producing ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’ yourself, what has that process been like, and how has it differed to preparing for other shows in your career? It’s very different. In the past I’ve just showed up to whatever venue they’ve sent me to and performed, and you go home without a worry or a care. Being the producer is completely different, the prep leading up to the show is vast. It’s a beast in itself, looking at the marketing, the best way for spreading the word of the show. Putting together the cast has been fun. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some great people over the past 23 years and so I’ve handpicked the best people for this tour. The cast have done big shows on the West End like the Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Grease, Footloose, and the band have played for big West End shows too. Producing is fun, it’s a lot of work, but when it goes well it’s quite gratifying. There must have been a wealth of love songs to choose from for the show. How did you narrow it down?  There are too many songs really, and part of being the producer and putting it all together is you have to order or have the sheet music written for the band. I’ve massively over ordered because I couldn’t decide which songs, so I’ve had to whittle it down. The show is about an hour each act, so we’re probably talking 14 songs in each half, and trust me, I managed to find a good 50. It’s tough, but we’ve chosen some of the favourites. To find out which songs we went for, you’ll have to come to the show! What song are you most excited to sing at the show? There’s a couple of songs I’m very excited to sing. The song Aerosmith did for Armageddon, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, I’m really looking forward to singing that. I’ve always wanted to sing it actually. Steven Tyler is a hero of mine and his voice is incredible, so doing that one will be fun. I’m also looking forward to the duet Shallow from A Star Is Born. We have a girl called Maggie who has done Wicked on the West End, and she’s a great singer, so I’ll be playing guitar and singing that with her, so that’ll be a nice moment too. What are you looking forward to about performing at Grimsby Auditorium? I love Grimsby. I’ve spent quite a bit of time here in the past. I performed here two years ago in this very venue, the Grimsby Auditorium. I’m from Bradford, so not too far away, and it’s always great to perform to a northern crowd. I find the more north you go, the more up for it they are and I’m hoping to get that from the Grimsby audience. Alongside this show, you continue to further expand your repertoire, and are now developing a musical called Speechless, exploring the challenges faced by a young man with a stammer. Could you tell us a little bit about it? We’re still writing, but I had the idea probably eight years ago, and it took going into lockdown for me to actually have the time at a piano, at a guitar, to be able to write it. I wrote eight songs, took it to a good friend of mine who’s a big West End producer, and he said “don’t speak to anybody. I’ll commission it right now!” We then had meetings with scriptwriters, to find the best person for the job, and we came across a guy called Samuel Adamson. He’s done a lot of work for the National and the Old Vic — a very prestigious playwright. I’ve been working with him for the past year and a half and we’re finally at a stage now where we’re going to do a workshop at the end of this year, and then hopefully we’ll have a show on the West End in 2026 if all goes to plan. It’s very exciting and to be talking about a subject very close to my heart — stammering — and educating people on what exactly it is is very important to me. The music is great so I can’t wait for the world to see it. You’ve performed in major musical theatre productions for a long time now on the West End. What is it that keeps drawing you back?  Musical theatre is where it all began for me. I couldn’t speak at all as a kid, and it was actually the show Joseph my first school were putting on a production of, and my music teacher kind of saw that talent in me, nurtured it, and gave me the role of Joseph. Then some 15 years later I was in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s office with Andrew, and he auditioned me for the role in the West End, and I got Joseph! It was a full circle moment, and I owe a lot to theatre. It’s my first love and I’ll always come back to theatre. To be now producing theatre shows is a real thrill too. Are there any other projects in the pipeline? The writing is taking a lot of focus right now because I want to get that so right. The thought of having a West End show of my very own is mind blowing, so a lot of effort is going into that, and this tour I’m producing. I’m also in talks with another producer about co-producing some big West End shows that we’re hoping to bring over from Broadway, so that’s opening a new avenue. I’d really love to produce panto at some point as well and produce tours like the one I’m doing but for other acts, so that’s something I’m going to be looking at. As someone with such a longstanding career in music and theatre, what advice would you give to people who want to get into the industry? Firstly, I think work ethic is everything in this industry. You really have to be prepared to work because there’s always somebody more hard working than you, or better than you, and so by putting in everything and whatever effort is necessary you know you are giving yourself the best opportunity to succeed. I work ridiculously hard. Sometimes too hard. I have to tell myself to slow down a bit, but I’m hoping to retire in a few years! Is there anything else you want to share with the readers of Lincolnshire Today? I’m just really looking forward to being here in Grimsby on Thursday 27 March. It’s a really fantastic show, perfect if you’re into love films, if you’re into movies. Either bring your partner or bring your girlfriends and come and have a great night with us. I think it’s going to be a real fantastic night. ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’ will visit Grimsby Auditorium on Thursday 27 March, with tickets available now.  

See this interview in the March issue of Lincolnshire Today Magazine here.

Lincoln College to sponsor County Open Water Swimming Championship 2025

Tess Egginton
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Lincoln College to sponsor County Open Water Swimming Championship 2025
Lincoln College is hoping to make a splash as it sponsors the 4th annual Lincolnshire Open Water County Championship. This new partnership with Lincolnshire County Swimming Association comes ahead of the event on 15th June at Activities Away, South Hykeham, organised by the Lincolnshire Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Swim England. Seen as a springboard for swimmers who want to compete at a regional and national level, this year it’s estimated there will be more than 100 swimmers of all ages and abilities taking part. Lincoln College Deputy Principal, Matt Vaughan, said: “Lincoln College is committed to giving back to the local community and contributing to the growth of sport of all kinds within the county. We’re pleased to be sponsoring the championship and building on the success of the previous three years. “At Lincoln College, we are always keen to promote active participation in sport and anything that benefits people’s well-being, so we’re thrilled to be able to be involved with something that is so ambitious and significant.” Lincolnshire has a history of producing great distance and open water swimmers. In 1996, Paul Palmer from Lincoln became the only British swimmer to gain an Olympic medal (silver) in Atlanta. Jack Burnell from Lincolnshire also won a silver medal in the 10km race at the European Open Water Swimming Championships and competed in the Olympics in Rio back in 2016. One of the aims of this championship is to spot and promote talent in Lincolnshire. The annual Lincolnshire Open Water County Championship attracts some of the top swimmers in the region and is open to age groups 11 to 17 years and 18+. Lincolnshire County Swimming’s Open Water Officer, Suzy Hegg, said: “Open water swimming is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, and Lincolnshire is committed to developing swimmers to compete in and out of the pool. “We have added a new para-swimming category this year as we want this event to be as inclusive as possible. In addition, there is a new trophy for Top Club – sponsored by Lincoln College. “Last year’s event was a record year for the championships. We had 103 competitors. The competitors came from nine separate clubs around the county. The youngest was 11 and the oldest 71. “The county championship’s aim is to provide a springboard to other competitions, and we achieved that goal. Following the event 23 went on to regional championships and five qualified for English National Open Water Championships. “The 2025 Lincolnshire open water competition is a week before the regionals, so this provides the perfect platform and vital practice ahead of this event. “We are hopeful for an even bigger event this year and we are targeting over 100 of the best swimmers from the county. “With the help of our sponsor Lincoln College, we hope to significantly raise the profile of open water swimming in Lincolnshire.”

Trust takes ownership of town hall ahead of £3.6m regeneration project

Stuart Pearcey
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Trust takes ownership of town hall ahead of £3.6m regeneration project

Lincolnshire County Council has passed ownership of Bourne Town Hall to a Trust so a £3.6m redevelopment project can begin.

The project will see a large community space created on the ground floor for activities and events. Upstairs, an 80-seat auditorium will be created in the old courtroom, with the adjoining retiring room acting as a dressing room for acts or a breakout space. Solar panels will help cut the building’s carbon footprint and reduce running costs, whilst an extensive restoration will take place on the clock tower to restore its chimes. Cllr Charlotte Vernon, chairman of the council’s Bourne Town Hall Management Committee, said: “The Trust has done a brilliant job over the last few years tirelessly preparing for the regeneration of this excellent building. Recognising the work that has gone into the project already, the committee was delighted to vote to transfer the Town Hall over, and now the exciting work can start in transforming this space. “Bourne is incredibly lucky to have such a large group of committed and welcoming volunteers; what a fantastic legacy to leave in the town. “I know the residents of Bourne will join me in thanking all those who have given so much time over the last few years and will continue to do so as the building work begins.” Dating from 1821, the Old Town Hall’s unique and varied history has seen it used as a fire station, courtroom, market stall storage, and district council office.
As part of a legal agreement made in 2018, the Council agreed to pass the building over to the once planning permission had been granted for the regeneration project, and once the funding had been secured to carry out the necessary works. Planning permission was granted in September 2024, and earlier this year a £3.3m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund was the final puzzle piece, alongside funding grants from other local and national organisations. Charles Houseago, chairman of the Bourne Town Hall Trust, said:m “It’s a pleasure to accept this building from the county council on behalf of the town. We’re all looking forward to seeing it fully restored and operational for the benefit of the whole town.”

North Lincolnshire Council wants to bring AI Growth Zone to the area

Tess Egginton
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North Lincolnshire Council wants to bring AI Growth Zone to the area
North Lincolnshire Council wants the Government to designate an AI Growth Zone in Northern Lincolnshire, with the prospect of nearly 10,000 new construction jobs, 1,200 new jobs on site and a further 4,000 industrial jobs safeguarded through supply chain opportunities. The AI Growth Zone could mean £15bn in private business investment and 1.5 gigawatts of AI processing capacity coming to Northern Lincolnshire, helping to boost industries in the region and across the UK. The area is uniquely positioned to attract this opportunity thanks to its industrial base, skilled workforce and the fact it generates 20% of the UK’s total electricity, including 27% of its offshore wind. Four major sites are in the early stage of development and one £3bn scheme – Humber Tech Park – has already been approved. Humber Tech Park, the UK’s first dedicated AI training data centre, will be built on land near the A180 to the south of South Killingholme and create around 400 jobs. A second site is on unused land at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant. Thousands of green jobs will be created as the council continues to work with British Steel to deliver new investment on surplus land on the 300-acre site. The Northern Lincolnshire Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone will also commit to signing up to and adopting the UK Steel charter, further embedding UK produced steel in high-profile infrastructure projects alongside the recent Heathrow commitment. This will support the safeguarding of steel making in the UK and high-value jobs in the North Lincolnshire region. The other two sites are in early development and will be revealed later this year. North Lincolnshire Council is partnering with Greystoke, the specialist planning business for high-tech infrastructure, on the AI Growth Zone. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is a huge opportunity to create thousands of better paid jobs here in North Lincolnshire, attracting innovative technology companies who will provide a positive future for local residents and their families. “I am really keen to create opportunities for young people with these new jobs. All too often they leave our area for big cities, with this investment there is scope for them to stay locally with their families and help us to build a strong and growing economy for tech businesses on our doorstep. “We already have a track record of delivering these investments following the permission of ‘The Humber Tech Park’. This is an unprecedented investment in our area, and it will be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses to make North Lincolnshire their home. “We want to make the most of this and sites have been secured for these fantastic developments, including on land at British Steel in Scunthorpe. “We are determined to take advantage of the green and high-tech opportunities globally while harnessing our engineering skills and capabilities locally into the future.” Sam Matthew, chief operating officer of Greystoke and director of Humber Tech Park, said: “Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone will supercharge the UK’s AI capability and can be rolled out rapidly and at great scale. “Delivering more than 1.5 gigawatts of AI processing capacity, it will create exciting new opportunities for national and regional industries. North Lincolnshire’s substantial energy infrastructure, and extensive skills base make it the ideal location for an AI Growth Zone.”   Image shows Humber Tech Park. Credit: North Lincolnshire Council

New partnership to unite art and heritage in South and East Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
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New partnership to unite art and heritage in South and East Lincolnshire

The South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership is collaborating with Arts&Heritage (A&H), to bring together local artists and heritage partners to uncover and celebrate the region’s rich history in innovative ways.

The project is part of Story Tellers, the Partnership’s Arts Council England NPO programme, which aims to fund a programme of art and culture centred on the rich heritage and stories from Boston borough, East Lindsey and South Holland. As part of this new collaboration, a series of free Artist and Heritage Matchmaking Workshops will take place between Saturday 1 March and Monday 3 March across the sub-region. These workshops will aim to foster new connections between artists of all disciplines and local heritage organisations, helping to tell the untold stories of South and East Lincolnshire from fresh perspectives. The workshops, open to artists and heritage organisations, will take place at:
  • Cley Hall Hotel, Spalding – Saturday 1st March, 10:30am-3.30pm
  • North Sea Observatory, Chapel St Leonards – Sunday 2nd March, 10am-3.30pm
  • Boston Guildhall – Monday 3rd March, 10am-3.30pm
The workshops will serve as a platform for participants to explore creative possibilities, build long-term relationships, and even develop projects eligible for future funding support. Attendees will receive a £50 travel contribution, with lunch provided. Artists and heritage professionals interested in taking part are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as spaces are limited to 30 participants per session. To register, please email npo@e-lindsey.gov.uk, stating whether you are an artist or a heritage partner. Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, Councillor Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, and Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, South Holland District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to get this exciting work with Arts&Heritage underway, that will hopefully help to create new, lasting links between local practitioners and organisations, that can help share our sub-region’s fascinating heritage and further strengthen our cultural offering. “By connecting artists with heritage sites and specialists, Story Tellers is fostering opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and the discovery of new narratives that reflect the rich history of Lincolnshire, and we hope people will take the time to attend one of the sessions and connect with new, like-minded individuals.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Chris Loneragan

Government aims to bring back the family doctor

Stuart Pearcey
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Government aims to bring back the family doctor
Government and GP representatives have agreed reforms to GP contracts in a move aimed at bringing back the family doctor in a scheme that will involve a funding boost of £889m and moves to end the ‘8am appointment scramble’. The new deal agreed between the government and British Medical Association will free up doctors from red tape and box-ticking targets to concentrate on treating patients. The burdensome red tape on GPs will be reduced by scrapping 32 of 76 targets such as reporting on staff wellbeing meetings or explaining how they are reviewing staff access to IT systems. The new agreed contract will modernise general practice by requiring GP surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who need them most, and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. The reforms are part of the government’s Plan for Change to make general practice fit for the future and will support GPs in taking the first steps to end the 8am scramble for appointments, which so many patients currently endure every day – in turn improving access to GPs for everyone. The deal for family doctors is backed by the biggest funding boost for General Practice in years, reversing the decade-long cuts to general practice funding as a share of the NHS budget. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs. Patients need to be able to easily book an appointment, in the manner they want, with their regular doctor if they choose. “Today, we have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble. “Over the past decade, funding for GPs has been cut relative to the rest of the NHS, while the number of targets for GPs has soared. That’s why patients are struggling to get an appointment.

“This government is cutting the red tape that ties up GPs time and backing them with an extra £889 million next year. In return, more patients will be able to request appointments online and see their regular doctor for each appointment. Through the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, we will work with GPs to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.”

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England national director for primary care and community services, said: “Improving patients’ access to general practice is a huge priority for the NHS and this contract sets out the next steps to put the family doctor at the heart of the shift to a neighbourhood health service. “This is the first time in four years that the GP contract has been accepted as proposed and I hope it will be seen as positive for practices, GP teams and patients when introduced in April. “It shows how NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have listened and delivered on the priorities that matter most to patients and general practice teams, including a significant increase in funding and extra flexibility in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme to recruit more staff including GPs.”  

Lincolnshire signs co-operation agreement with Ukraine’s Kherson region

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire signs co-operation agreement with Ukraine’s Kherson region

Representatives from the Kherson region in Ukraine have visited Lincolnshire and signed an agreement with councillors to work together to benefit both areas.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson regional military administration, joined Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at the county council, in formalising an agreement between the two areas. The Ukrainian Embassy has identified that Lincolnshire and the Kherson region have many similarities – both are largely rural regions with a strong farming and food production history, and a strong manufacturing base. Cllr Colin Davie, said: “The UK and Ukraine have developed a positive relationship through the Homes For Ukraine programme and I am very proud that we have more than 1,000 people here in Lincolnshire under this scheme. “Today marks the start of a journey to develop a strong partnership with the Kherson region that will see us learn from each other, build networks over time between businesses, connect research organisations, and support growth in both areas.” Other members of the delegation from Kherson were the Head of the Internal and Information Policy Department and the Head of the Investment and Export Development Office.

Multi-award-winning full-fibre broadband provider delivers affordable 900Mbps service to tens of thousands of homes in Lincoln

Tess Egginton
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Multi-award-winning full-fibre broadband provider delivers affordable 900Mbps service to tens of thousands of homes in Lincoln
Full-fibre broadband provider, toob, launched its service to tens of thousands of homes across Lincoln late last year as part of its strategic partnership with CityFibre. The reliable 900mbps service is now available to order in the city offering an affordability that is making digital inclusion more accessible. Headquartered in Portsmouth, multi-award-winning full-fibre broadband provider, toob, has been ranked in the top five for The Sunday Times 100 Tech, Britain’s fastest-growing private technology companies list and was recently voted Best Value Broadband Provider by Broadband Genie. Since 2019, toob has developed its network and customer base supplying service across 16 UK counties to more than 75,000 connected customers. toob’s industry leading broadband has extended its geographic footprint, with residents across Lincoln now able to benefit from toob’s 900Mbps full-fibre broadband services. Unlike traditional broadband, toob uses CityFibre’s cutting-edge fibre optic cable technology, which runs directly into the home. This full-fibre technology delivers faster connection speeds, no matter the time of day, and greater reliability when compared to traditional copper broadband. The full-fibre network promises Lincoln residents a faster, more reliable internet connection with 12x faster download and 48x faster upload speeds than the UK average. (Source: Ofcom 2023) With the #toob promise of no in-contract price rises, the price agreed on sign up will remain the same throughout the contract duration. toob believes that full-fibre broadband should be available for all and not just the few, so despite the difficult economic climate, toob’s price remains as reliable as its service. Nick Parbutt, CEO, toob, said: “I am delighted to bring toob’s full-fibre broadband service to Lincoln. For too long customers have been taken for granted by their broadband suppliers, with poor service and above inflationary price increases. “toob is focused on what customers really need, fast, reliable broadband at an affordable price. toob provides customers all the benefits of ultrafast broadband with speeds of 900Mbps for only £29 per month. Our service is delivered through our partnership with CityFibre using the latest full-fibre technology, which is the most reliable technology available.”

Lincoln’s bee auction bids for place in Guinness book of world records

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln’s bee auction bids for place in Guinness book of world records

Lincolnshire beekeepers hope to get into the Guinness Book of World Records as holders of the world’s largest livestock auction after this year’s annual Lincoln District Bee Auction.

The event happens at the Lincolnshire Showground on April 12th, and is the largest event in of its kind in the country. It’s been happening for more than 30 years, and says Matthew Palmer, Lincolnshire Secretary of the British Beekeepers Association. The auction features not only beekeeping equipment, but also a number of colonies of live bees, meaning individual animals will number well into the thousands. Lots for sale are being accepted between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on the day before, and between 8.30 and 10am on the day of the auction. Mr Palmer said: “The Auction will begin promptly at 10:30am, promising an exciting day of spirited bidding and camaraderie among fellow beekeeping enthusiasts.

“This auction has set the standard for smaller auctions nationwide. This year, we’re taking it a step further by applying for a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest Livestock Auction! We look forward to welcoming beekeepers to this historic event!

 

Lincolnshire hospices to share in Government’s financial boost

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire hospices to share in Government’s financial boost
Lincolnshire Hospices are to get a £420,000 share of Government money for upgrades and refurbishments. The cash will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April. More than 170 hospices across the country will receive funding, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool. To benefit in Lincolnshire are:
  • Butterfly Hospice, Boston: £12,215
  • Lindsey Lodge, Scunthorpe: £78,577
  • St Andrew’s, Grimsby: £92,589
  • St Barnabas, Lincoln: £236,601
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives. “The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK from the department, will enable hospices to purchase essential new medical equipment, undertake building refurbishments, improve technology, upgrade facilities for patients and families and implement energy efficiency measures.” The larger £75 million investment will support more substantial capital projects, including major building works and facility modernisation, throughout the next financial year. Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “The announcement before Christmas of £100m of additional funding for hospices in England was a significant boost, and today’s news of the allocation of the first £25m of this funding will be a huge relief for our members. “Several years of rapidly rising costs have curtailed the extent to which hospices have been able to invest in their infrastructure for the longer term. This additional support will enable them to do so – and relieve the immediate pressures on hospice finances. “The hospice sector is ready to support the government’s ambition to shift more care into the community. This couldn’t be more important for people approaching the end of life, when it’s vital to have the right care, in the right place.

“The greater stability provided by the government’s funding injection this year and next gives us a golden opportunity to now reform the palliative and end of life care system, so it’s fit for the future.”

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