Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the research by Young Lives vs Cancer, The cost of waiting, whether they have considered the recommendations of the report, and if so, what action they are taking to ensure children and young people receive disability benefits immediately after their cancer diagnosis.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to improving outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer and we are aware that the cost of travel is an important issue for many cancer patients and their families.

NHS England and the integrated care boards are currently responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of local communities are met, including providing support for travel. The National Health Service runs schemes in England to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) provides financial assistance to patients in England who do not have a medical need for transport, but who require assistance with the costs of travelling to receive certain NHS services.

Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment. The provision of disability benefits is also the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal assessment of the cost to the NHS, and long-term health outcomes, of missed appointments by children and young people with cancer due to lack of support with travel costs. The Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce will explore a range of issues, including patient experience alongside clinical care, to identify improvements for children and young people with cancer and their families.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a valued stakeholder with a unique perspective on the issue of travel support for children and young people with cancer. We will continue to engage with Young Lives vs Cancer, as well as other children and young people cancer charity stakeholders as we progress this important work.