Young Lives vs Cancer responds to the 2024 Autumn Budget

Today (Wednesday 30 October) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, set out the UK Government’s first Budget of spending and financial plans.

In response to the Budget, Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, said:  “This Budget was the first big opportunity the new UK Government had to provide better support children and young people with cancer and their families, but unfortunately, it did not go far enough.

“Whilst we welcome that more carers will be eligible for Carer’s Allowance with the increase in the earnings eligibility, there is still much to be done to properly support unpaid carers. There are also urgent issues that must be addressed in other benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which are vital lifelines to children, young people and their families facing cancer.

“Investment in our National Health Service is also welcomed, and we hope this will further support the care that children and young people with cancer receive. To make sure they see the benefit, we still need to see a clear plan to improve care and outcomes that meets the needs of children and young people with cancer.

“Today we’ve seen progress. But the UK Government needs to go further, and faster, for children and young people with cancer and their families. With the additional costs of cancer at a staggering £700 a month on average, including significant costs just to travel to their treatment, and drops in household income because of the disruption cancer brings – it’s disappointing that children, young people and families will still be left without the support they need and deserve.

“From benefits reform to the need for a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund, much is still missing. Today’s Budget didn’t yet go far enough to address the reality of the challenges – but Young Lives vs Cancer stand ready to work with the UK Government to make sure that children and young people with cancer and their families get all the support they need. We hope they will work with us, so together, we can make a real difference.”

What was in the Budget and how does it impact on children and young people with cancer and their families? 
The Budget is an opportunity for the UK Government to deliver more support and resources for those across the UK who need it most, and put in place measures to start to transform public services like our NHS. Here’s some of the key things which will impact children and young people with cancer:

Carer’s Allowance* – the weekly earnings threshold which determines eligibility for Carer’s Allowance will be increased, to around £180 per week, expected from April 2025. This will mean that more people will be eligible for Carer’s Allowance and those already claiming can work more hours without losing their allowance. There are also plans to review the limit at which Carer’s Allowance is withdrawn. While these changes are welcomed, more needs to be done to support unpaid carers.

Household Support Fund – the UK Government have committed to extending funding so the Household support Fund can continue, providing support through local councils to those in need.

Investment in Health and Social Care – over £20bn will be invested in the NHS for activity from buildings, equipment, diagnostics and addressing waiting lists, and investment will also go to local authorities for services such as social care.

National Minimum Wage – will increase to £12.21 per hour for those 21 and over, and to £10 per hour for 18-20 year olds from April.

Other changes – there were also other changes which may impact household finances, such as a planned reduction in the amount of debt repayment that can be taken from someone’s Universal Credit, and freeze on fuel duty to limit the costs of petrol.

We still need to see bigger, bolder change. Young Lives vs Cancer will continue to speak up for all the children, young people and their families who are affected by cancer and do everything we can to campaign for better UK Government support, whilst continuing to deliver our services and support.

*this applies to benefits provided by the UK Government. Decisions on some benefits in Scotland are devolved to Scottish Government, including Carer’s Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance supplement, and are not included in this announcement.