Rachel Reeves announced a £29bn annual increase in NHS funding, along with boosts for housing, defence, and other projects, as part of the government's long-term spending plans until 2030, while some departments face budget cuts amid fiscal constraints and political debates.
The UK government's upcoming Spending Review, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will prioritize NHS and defense spending amidst tight budgets and economic challenges, with long-term projects emphasized but limited room for immediate fiscal flexibility, reflecting a focus on stability and foundational reforms.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has yet to agree on a funding deal with the Treasury ahead of the upcoming Spending Review, which will determine budgets for various government departments, including police and health, amid ongoing negotiations and significant financial commitments across sectors.
Georgia Burchell, the mother of a 15-month-old baby with cystic fibrosis, is anxiously waiting for the NHS to decide whether to fund drugs that could double her daughter's life expectancy. The drugs, Orkambi, Symkevi, and Kaftrio, are considered "lifesaving" and could provide a normal life for her daughter. However, the cost of treatment, which exceeds £100,000 per patient per year, may make it unaffordable for the NHS. While her daughter is due to start Orkambi soon, she cannot begin Kaftrio until she is two years old. The final decision is expected to be announced next year.