Cancer research funding slashed by £850,000, government figures show

Cancer research funding has been slashed by nearly £850,000, according to budget figures from the Scottish Government.

The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, revealing that their total funding for cancer research was cut by £846,801 (26.5%) in the most recent budget.

The leader has asked the Scottish Government whether the impact of cuts have been assessed.

Recent figures have shown that the Scottish Government’s key 62-day target cancer treatment target was missed in every health board in Scotland during the first three months of 2024.

The party say the target has been missed for the last 14 years.

Cole Hamilton said: “Every day counts in a battle against cancer.

“Scotland has phenomenally talented medics and researchers but if they are to make progress they need investment in research to look for new treatments and long term solutions.

“The Scottish Government need to explain what assessment has been done of the impact of an almost £1m funding cut to cancer research in the Scottish Government’s latest budget.

“The SNP Government haven’t hit their key target for 14 years. People are being tragically let down and left waiting far too long.

“Liberal Democrats would boost cancer survival rates by backing research into the cancers with the lowest survival rates and halving the time for new treatments to reach patients.

“We are determined to pull out all the stops to cut waiting times and give NHS staff and patients a fair deal.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is completely inaccurate to suggest that there has been a cut in the funding available through these schemes.

“Our Chief Scientist Office supports applied health research through open competitive research grant and fellowship schemes across the wide range of health conditions, including cancer. Funding decisions on the applications are based on the recommendations of independent expert committees.

“The amount awarded for cancer research fluctuates from year to year and does not reflect an overall reduction in the budget available to support research through these schemes.”