Date published: 28 October 2026 by Sophie Wichman
Budget offers some relief for families but not enough, the Spending Review must deliver for children’s social palliative care, says Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
Speaking today about the Budget, Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said:
“Measures to ease household costs, support working fathers and improve support for unpaid carers, announced in today’s Budget will offer welcome help to some families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. However, the benefits will not reach all families equally, particularly those with unavoidable high energy costs or whose caring responsibilities prevent them from working.
“We welcome the short-term extension of the fuel-duty cut, but are disappointed that fuel costs remain so high. These costs continue to put pressure on Rainbow Trust’s operational budget for delivering vital support and on the families we support.
“Our Family Support Workers drive many miles to provide practical and emotional support. Parents also face repeated, unavoidable journeys to hospital for their child’s appointments and treatment.
“Avoiding a further increase in fuel duty offers temporary relief, but does not resolve the financial strain these journeys place on already stretched budgets.
“We continue to urge Government to extend hospital travel support beyond cancer to children with other life-threatening or terminal illnesses, so that help reflects the journeys families need to make, rather than their child’s diagnosis.
“We welcome the £100 energy payment for eligible households, the extension of the VAT cut on electricity bills and measures intended to reduce the cost of supermarket essentials. However, not all families will qualify for the energy payment, and modest savings on everyday costs will not meet the substantial additional expenses many face because of their child’s illness.
“Help with energy costs is welcome, but families whose child’s condition requires additional heating or medical equipment need support that reflects their unavoidable energy use. Changes to gas standing charges must not leave those with high heating needs paying more.
“We welcome the additional £190 million to help the NHS manage winter pressures. However, investment in hospital services must be accompanied by sustainable support for families at home, including the practical and emotional care - children’s social palliative care - provided by Rainbow Trust.
“Alongside financial help, parents and siblings need practical and emotional support throughout a child’s illness. We are disappointed that the Budget has not provided substantial investment in children’s social palliative care to meet these needs.
“The Spending Review must go further, with Government committing to sustainable, long-term funding for children’s social palliative care. This will help charities such as Rainbow Trust be there when families need us most.”