The funding is designed to help support hospices deliver improvements, including refurbishments, overhauling IT systems and improving facilities for patients and visitors.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Hospices provide the care and support for patients and families at the most difficult time so it is only right they are given the financial support to provide these services.

‘This package will ensure they will be able to continue to deliver the compassionate care everyone deserves as they come to the end of their life in the best possible environment.'

Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, said: ‘Today's announcement will be hugely welcomed by hospices, and those who rely on their services. Hospices not only provide vital care for patients and families, but also relieve pressure on the NHS.

‘This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care. We look forward to working with the Government to make sure everyone approaching the end of life gets the care and support they need, when and where they need it.'

Ralph Coulbeck, chief executive at Haven House children's hospice, said: ‘This investment shows how Government recognises the importance of integrating services to improve the treatment patients receive. Through our plans for Neighbourhood Health Centres, we will drive the shift of care from hospital into the community, bringing together existing palliative care services alongside community care services, so people have the best access to treatment through joined-up services.'

Wayne de Leeuw, chief executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care, told HM: ‘We are really grateful to the Government for today's announcement of funding support for hospices. This is something Toby Porter and the team at HospiceUK have been campaigning hard for on our behalf throughout the past year. Hospices nationally only receive 30% of their funding from Government, here at Dorothy House it is 20%, and all are facing the triple threat of rising demand for their care, increased costs including the recent National Insurance announcement and the continued impact of the cost of living crisis.

‘Whilst we don't yet know how this money will be allocated, it is fantastic to know that our role as key partners in the local health and care system, caring for people at the end of their life, has been recognised in this way and we are extremely grateful to the secretary of state, Wes Streeting, for his personal support and NHSE for their commitment to helping fund hospice care at this critical time.'

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson Helen Morgan MP said: ‘This extra funding will be welcome for hospices, patients who need end-of-life care, and their loved ones, and it must be followed by a real focus on improving end-of-life care in the new 10-Year NHS plan. 

‘However, it is deeply disappointing that Ministers are still not protecting hospices and other crucial health and care providers – including GPs, dentists, pharmacists and care homes – from their national insurance hike.

‘Instead of their damaging jobs tax, the Government would be far better looking at Liberal Democrat proposals to raise revenue more fairly, for example from the record profits of the big banks, social media giants and online gambling firms.'