Calls to exempt charities supporting the NHS from tax hikes

It is a misconception that all charities are cushioned by government grants or contracts. For many, including us, operations rely almost entirely on charitable donations. While we absolutely want to pay our staff fairly and anticipated the living wage increases, the scale of this NIC rise is unsustainable in the context of a challenging fundraising environment.

After the recent changes imposed by the UK Government, we called on the Welsh Government to acknowledge and support the third sector’s crucial role. Despite assurances of increased support for third-sector organisations, we do not qualify for this assistance and will receive no additional funding.”

We welcome the commitment by Welsh Government to support hospices in absorbing rising costs. However, this support must be extended to all charities delivering services which support the NHS.

Without parity across the sector, there is a real risk that essential services will be lost, placing more pressure on an already stretched NHS.”

We urge Welsh Government to monitor the impact of these changes on the sector and to advocate with UK Government colleagues for fairer treatment of all health-supporting charities.

We must safeguard the essential services that so many people affected by cancer in Wales rely on.”