Joy and relief from campaigners as chancellor’s budget extends support that had been due to run out in 2023
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Thalidomide campaigners have reacted with relief and joy after the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, pledged a “lifetime commitment” of funding to support survivors of the scandal.
Announcing the budget on Wednesday, Sunak said funding to support survivors of the thalidomide scandal was due to run out in 2023, adding: “They deserve better than to have constant uncertainty about the future costs of their care. So not only will I extend this funding with an initial downpayment of around £40m, I am today announcing a lifetime commitment, guaranteeing funding for ever.”
