Leukaemia Care’s response to the 2024 Autumn Budget

Posted on: Thursday 31st October 2024

Yesterday, the Chancellor of Exchequer delivered her first Autumn Statement (Budget)allocating the resources available to Government departments for the coming year. This includes the NHS and social care, two public services that are essential to those affected by leukaemia.

Our CEO, Colin Dyer, said of yesterday’s Budget:

“This Budget has made a start towards more support for those affected by leukaemia, but much more investment is needed.  

“We welcome the increase in the NHS budget. However, analysis from the King’s Fund states that most of this increase will be used on staff wages and other costs that the Government was already aware of. Therefore, we are concerned that very little is left to address the challenges facing cancer care.  

“Early diagnosis of leukaemia can be more challenging than in other cancers, thanks to the rarity of the condition. Leukaemia symptoms are also hard to identify because they are common to lots of conditions. We would like to see further investment in early diagnosis as, quite simply, prevention of late diagnosis saves lives. 

“We need to see more investment in the support that surrounds patients and their families after a diagnosis. Whilst the Chancellor announced more support for mental health, this was focused on those in crisis rather than preventing and treating mental health issues earlier. This year we have seen yet another increase in the number of people applying to receive support from the Leukaemia Care Counselling Fund, with many of the applicants citing an inability to get mental health support quickly enough to get them through difficult times. If the aim of improving health to grow the economy is to be achieved, we must invest more in supporting people to live well during and after their diagnosis.  

“We also are clear that investment in social care and changes to the welfare system need to go further. Our Leukaemia Care Welfare Advice service continues to be inundated with people support, with 270  people making enquiries so far this year, that’s a 21% increase on the previous year. We join other charities, such as Disability Rights UK, in asking the Chancellor to be clearer about whether the changes to the Work Capability Assessment will go ahead. The changes from the last Government were widely expected to make it harder to access certain benefits. Many of those who access our welfare service already face significant challenges in doing this, despite being eligible for support.  

“The changes to Carer’s allowance are welcome but are unlikely to be sufficient to fully support carers. The system will still penalise people for working even 1 minute longer than the allocated time, leaving people anxious about losing their support all the time. We know a diagnosis of leukaemia does not affect just the person diagnosed but everyone around them. Families must be supported to care for their loved ones as well as maintaining a decent standard of living.

“The financial burden of leukaemia is immense. Our previous analysis showed that people experience both increased costs and a decrease in income after diagnosis, many people for the long term. This is why we have supported the Safe Sick Pay campaign from the Centre of Progressive Change, aiming to ensure people who are diagnosed with leukaemia are paid at least the living wage. We will continue to work with our partners in the sector to campaign for greater financial support for all those affected by leukaemia.”  

What can I do to encourage change in the health system?

If you are in England, the Government has recently opened its 10 year health plan consultation, where any member of the public is able to suggest ways the NHS can improve. You can view other responses and submit your own response online.