Charity Commission opens review into finances of Chesterfield hospice
It comes after Ashgate Hospice confirmed it was cutting jobs last year
The Charity Commission is reviewing the finances of a hospice in Chesterfield, after it said it would have to cut back its services last year.
Ashgate Hospice confirmed that it was looking at making up to 52 people redundant, as it struggled against rising inflation, energy bills and staffing costs.
19 jobs were cut just before Christmas.
It's understood the Charity Commission will assess the finances of the organisation to ensure its complying with rules.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Ashgate wrote: "We welcome this process."
"The opening of a regulatory compliance case is not an investigation. It is a standard step the Charity Commission takes to understand a charity’s position to ensure it is operating in line with charity law and offer guidance where needed.
"We will engage openly and fully with the Commission and provide any information they require.
"There has been a significant amount of speculation and unfounded accusations made about Ashgate in recent months.
"We hope this process will help draw a clear line under misinformation and provide reassurance about how we manage our finances responsibly and how we are working hard to protect the long-term future of the hospice.
"Our trustees take their responsibilities seriously and remain focused on ensuring Ashgate is well governed, financially sustainable and able to continue providing high-quality, specialist care to the people who need us, now and in the future."