New £10m fund to cover travel costs for children with cancer

Families of children and young people with cancer will soon have their travel costs covered under a new £10 million UK Government scheme. The support will apply in England and is set to be in place by 2027.

The travel fund is part of the National Cancer Plan for England which will be published in full on World Cancer Day (4 February). Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their family's focus should be on helping them recover and getting them well, not on whether they can afford the petrol or bus fare to get to their next appointment."

What the new travel fund is

The Government will set aside £10 million a year so children and young people with cancer. Young people aged up to 24 and their families will be able to claim back the cost of travelling to and from cancer care. This help will be available to everyone, no matter their income.

According to charities like Young Lives vs Cancer, right now, many families pay around £250 a month and often travel long distances because treatment is delivered at one of only 13 specialist centres in England. Some families fall behind on bills or even miss treatment appointments because travel is too expensive.

When is the cancer travel fund coming?

The travel scheme is expected to be rolled out by 2027. The plan is being published on Wednesday (4 February) for World Cancer Day and this will contain further information.

However, the government says more details, such as whether there will be a cap on claims, will be confirmed as the scheme is designed.

Why this support matters

Cancer in children and young people is rare but often aggressive, and treatment usually happens far from home. This can mean long trips several times a week for many months.

Charities say 71% of families struggle with travel costs, and 1 in 10 have missed or delayed treatment because they could not afford to get to hospital.

Key takeaways

• £10 million a year will cover travel costs for children and young people (0–24) with cancer and their families.

• Support will apply regardless of income.

• Expected rollout by 2027 in England.

• Families currently spend about £250 a month and often travel long distances for treatment.

• Charities say this will ease debt, reduce stress and help stop missed treatment.