Milton Keynes’ Labour MPs have called on the government to review what they describe as “inequitable” NHS funding for Willen Hospice.

Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, and Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, have written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting urging an urgent review of palliative and end-of-life care funding. They argue that Willen Hospice, which has provided care in the city for more than 40 years, is being unfairly treated compared with similar services elsewhere.

Hospices in Bedford and Luton receive full NHS funding for their services, yet Willen Hospice covers just 12.7% of its operating costs through statutory support — one of the lowest levels nationally. The MPs want the Department of Health and Social Care to confirm the responsibility of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for palliative care funding and to consider a national framework to ensure fairer provision.

“Willen Hospice has been the cornerstone of palliative care in Milton Keynes for 40 years. They deserve fair funding, and we are determined to work to achieve that,” said Callum.

Chris added: “So many people in Milton Keynes have been supported in their darkest days by Willen Hospice. The idea that these invaluable services could stop because of a lack of NHS funding is unthinkable.”

Emily said: “While other cities have vital end-of-life care paid for by the NHS, in Milton Keynes our hospice has to rely on the generosity of residents. We cannot keep going like this, and it simply isn’t right.”

Kate Broadhurst, chief executive at Willen Hospice, welcomed the MPs’ intervention but warned the current funding model is unsustainable. “There needs to be a contribution to funding for the care that takes place in our patients’ homes from the NHS. This should not continue to be funded by the generous people of Milton Keynes,” she said.

She added that Willen is working with the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board to resolve the local disparity and is encouraged that hospice funding is being examined nationally. “Until we find a solution, we continue to rely on support from both local leaders and our community to keep this vital care available,” she said.