Date published: 30 October 2024 by Sophie Wichman

Zillah Bingley, our Chief Executive, speaking today said:

“Today’s Budget was disappointing news for families with a terminally ill child, who Rainbow Trust supports. The government has announced extra funding for the NHS but it is unclear how, if at all, this funding will benefit children and young people who need social palliative care.

“The rise in National Insurance for employers to 15% and the reduction of the threshold at which employers are required to pay it is very concerning for Rainbow Trust. We rely on donations to deliver our essential children’s social palliative care services. Every cost increase is harder to absorb without affecting the quality of service to families, on which we cannot compromise. The cost to Rainbow Trust of these National Insurance changes is estimated to be over £90,000 a year, which is equivalent to the cost of us supporting 75 families with a life-threatened child for a year.

“Rainbow Trust had hoped for increased government support for charities who provide critical social care and health services alongside the NHS, or at least an exemption from the increased employer National Insurance. This support would mean better help for families with a terminally ill child, at the same time as alleviating strain on limited NHS and charitable resources. This would also align with the government’s aim of a sustainable NHS for the future and a well-paid workforce across all sectors.”