Date published: 03 March 2026 by Sophie Wichman

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

“The Spring Statement is an important opportunity to influence future government spending: it presents an opportunity for Government to take a holistic approach to public spending that supports families across health, education and community services. This speech comes at a time of sustained pressure on families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness, yet it is another missed opportunity because it did not address children’s social palliative care.

“Rainbow Trust welcomes measures to reduce child and family poverty and removing the two-child benefit cap will help some families caring for a seriously ill child, as will reduced energy bills when the detail becomes clearer.

“Previous Government funding announcements, including the three-year £80 million revenue commitment for children’s hospices and £25 million in additional capital investment, have supported children’s hospices, which of course play a vital role in children’s palliative care. However families rely on support far beyond hospice buildings including community-based social palliative care, delivered by charities providing practical and emotional help at home, such as Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

“Through the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, the Government has set out its intention to shift care from hospital to community. Delivering this will require sustained, long-term investment that extends across children’s palliative care. Without this, families will continue to face gaps in support and avoidable pressure on both themselves and the NHS.

“Families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness already face significant emotional and financial pressure. We stand ready to work with ministers to ensure that investment reaches every child and family who needs it, as we have done for 40 years.”