Victims of Thalidomide are set to receive financial support for the rest of their lives, it is expected to be announced.
The Chancellor is expected to announce at next week’s Budget that the Thalidomide Health Grant, which has been providing support since April 2013, will be extended.
The grant currently provides help to more than 400 people in the United Kingdom through direct cash grants to help access personalised specialist care, rehabilitation and treatment.
Despite only currently running until April 2023, Rishi Sunak is expected to make a lifetime commitment to fund the scheme – with a £39m down payment that will cover the next four years.
Future funding figures for the grant will then be confirmed every four years.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Thalidomide survivors and their families face daily challenges as a result of the drug – whilst we can’t change what happened, we can do everything possible to make their lives easier.
“That’s why I feel it is our duty to make this lifetime commitment to them, so they have the financial security they need, and can access support.”.
Beneficiaries are able to personalise how the money is spent to meet their individual needs, and the Thalidomide Trust will continue to manage and oversee the grant.
Deborah Jack, Executive Director of the Thalidomide Trust said: “This is fantastic news. Sadly, as our beneficiaries age they are experiencing multiple health problems in addition to their original thalidomide damage and the costs of meeting their complex needs are significant.
“We are really pleased that the government has recognised this by committing to lifetime financial support and also agreeing to review the level of funding regularly to ensure it is meeting their changing needs.”
Rowland Bareham, a beneficiary of the Thalidomide Trust and Chair of the charity’s National Advisory Council commented: “I know that, like me, thalidomide survivors across England will be delighted and relieved that the government has guaranteed funding for their whole lives.
“Since it was introduced in 2010, the government Health Grant has made an enormous difference to the quality of our lives – helping us to manage our high levels of pain and maintain our mobility and independence without risking further damage.”
