Date published: 06 March 2024 by Katie Inglis

Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said:

“Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is disappointed that the needs of families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness were not addressed by the Chancellor in today’s Spring Budget. Families tell us that they are struggling financially and do not have all the support they need. Some families are disproportionally affected by the cost-of-living crisis as they have to pay to power life-saving medical equipment at home.

“Freezing fuel duty for a year, and extending the Household Support Fund for six months, are short-term measures of support and whilst these will help some families a little, they do not go far enough.

“There was no mention of the urgent support families supported by Rainbow Trust need: increased financial help and sustainable funding for children’s palliative care.

“Rainbow Trust calls on the government, and all political parties, to drastically improve policies and services for families with a seriously ill child as we go into a General Election and beyond.”

The Household Support Fund (HSF) launched in October 2021, and has been extended several times. The HSF is administered by local authorities and can be used for payments to help vulnerable people with energy bills, food and other essential items. Local authorities decide their eligibility criteria, if or how people can apply, and who money is given to. https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council