In recent months the debate around assisted dying legislation has brought renewed focus to how we care for people at the end of life.
Against that backdrop, most of Scotland’s main political parties have set out commitments on palliative care in their 2026 election manifestos.
There is broad agreement that palliative care needs to improve. What differs is how parties propose to get there.
This post looks at what they have said, because whatever government is formed after 7 May, these commitments must translate into real change for people and families.
What the parties are promising
Scottish National Party (SNP)
The SNP positions its commitments as an expansion of existing work. They vow to “continue to deliver [on] our Palliative Care Matters for All Strategy”.
Commitments include:
• Maintaining NHS pay parity for hospice staff and increase hospice funding to £9.4 million this year.
• Plans to “co-develop a new funding model for hospices” to ensure funding keeps pace with need. This will include an exploration of whether direct funding is the most appropriate model.
• Working with the NHS and specialist charities to expand the palliative care workforce and improving consistency of provision.
• Additional support for terminally ill patients through help with energy costs linked to life-saving equipment.
Scottish Labour
Scottish Labour frames its approach around addressing inequality in access, writing that “too many people are reaching the end of life without the support they need”.
Commitments include:
• A pledge to “end the patchwork provision of palliative care” by improving pathways and “minimum standards of care”.
• Improved training across health and social care, including NHS 24.
• A focus on better coordinated community care, with GPs providing continuity.
• Support for pay parity for hospice staff and a long-term sustainable funding model.
Scottish Greens
The Greens aim to “support people to die well” by having “honest conversations about what a good death looks like”.
Commitments include:
• To “invest in services so that people can access help and support in their community, 24/7.”
• Plans for a long-term, sustainable funding model for hospice care, including full pay parity.
• An independent review of palliative care to drive “urgent system reform”.
• Expansion of community-based care and reducing avoidable hospital use.
• A 24/7 palliative care helpline for patients, carers and professionals.
• Making palliative care training mandatory for all staff supporting terminally ill people, including social care and unpaid carers.
Scottish Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats emphasise “dignity at the end of life”.
Commitments include:
• A proposal to introduce a legal right to palliative care for people of all ages.
• Continued support for hospices to pay staff in line with NHS salaries.
• Measures to support people with terminal illness with energy bills, including fast-track access to an emergency insulation programme.
Scottish Conservatives
The Conservatives emphasise delivery over new policy, stating that “strategies alone will not improve care – it is delivery that counts”.
Commitments include:
• To back the existing Palliative Care Matters for All strategy with “a new funding model to deliver the palliative care our country deserves.”
Reform UK
Reform UK’s manifesto does not include commitments on palliative or end-of-life care.
The view from Highland Hospice
Kenny Steele, Chief Executive, said: “It is encouraging to see palliative care recognised across party manifestos, particularly at a time when public attention on the topic has never been higher.
“But recognition must now lead to action. We will work constructively with whoever forms the next Scottish Government and we will continue to advocate for the funding, workforce and partnership working needed to ensure everyone in the Highlands can access the care they deserve at the end of life.”
