Our response to the Scottish Government Budget 2025/26

“We are deeply concerned about the missed opportunities to support children and young people with cancer and their families”

On Friday 6 December 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison MSP, presented the Scottish Government’s proposed Budget for 2025/26. Whilst the Budget includes some positive measures, it falls short of addressing the specific needs of young cancer patients and their families. 

Most notably, Scottish Government propose to reduce the amount that is spent on delivering the Young Patients Family Fund, which supports families of young people under 18 staying in hospital with costs such as travel, accommodation and food. In the 2025/26 Budget, it is proposed to reduce the amount spent on the Fund to £3.3mil, from the £4mil allocated in 2024/25. 

This is a concerning indication from Scottish Government, as whilst they maintain that the Fund is “demand led”, Young Lives vs Cancer have been calling for the Fund’s eligibility criteria to be expanded so more young patients can access it, and that it’s more fit for purpose – for example additional support for those who currently are ineligible including those attending day appointments for their cancer treatment, and 18-25 year olds. We are confident that this expansion could be covered within the current £4million allocation. A reduction in the Fund’s allocated funding by £700,000 is a worrying step away from providing the support that all young cancer patients and their families need for their travel costs to access their treatment and care.  

In response to the Budget, Helen Gravestock, Director of Policy, Communications and Voice at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: 

“While the Scottish Budget shows some positive steps being taken in areas like health service investment and social security benefits, we’re deeply disappointed at the missed opportunities to support children and young people with cancer and their families.  

It’s concerning to see the decision to reduce funding for the Young Patients Family Fund, and it sets a dangerous precedent for further cuts to vital support that children and young people with cancer and their families need. An unwillingness to review its eligibility criteria so more people can access support doesn’t help the many young people with cancer in Scotland, who are already struggling to cover the costs of travelling for their treatment.  

While we welcome broader measures such as the boost to the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, and the increased investment in health and social care, these don’t adequately address the unique challenges facing children and young people with cancer.  

Young Lives vs Cancer calls on the Scottish Government to reconsider the reduction in the Young Patients Family Fund, and to take steps to provide enhance support for those currently unable to access it. We stand ready to work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive support package for young cancer patients. With the right support and investment, together we can ensure that every child or young person in Scotland gets the vital support they need and deserve.” 

What else was in the Budget that might impact children and young people with cancer and their families? 

The Scottish Budget 2025/26 includes several other measures that could impact children and young people with cancer and their families: 

While some of these measures may benefit children and young people with cancer, there’s still a long way to go. Young Lives vs Cancer will continue to advocate for more comprehensive and specific support to address the unique challenges faced by children and young people with cancer in Scotland.