PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Young Lives vs Cancer report (20 June 2023)

That this House notes the Young Lives vs Cancer report entitled Running on Empty which explores the costs that young cancer patients and their families face when travelling for treatment; expresses concern at the finding in the report that it costs young cancer patients and their families on average £250 per month and, depending on their location, can be far higher in some cases; expresses strong concern that, consequently, 27 per cent are having to cut back on food, 20 per cent are falling behind in paying bills, 20 per cent are having to sell their possessions, 10 per cent are having to delay or miss treatment and, in some cases, are having to give up their homes as they are unable to meet housing costs; further notes the report's conclusion that the current support available is inadequate with only 12 per cent of families receiving any support to cover travel costs; draws attention to the report's conclusion that, cumulatively, this can have significant negative impacts on young cancer patients and their families' financial security, health and well-being and future prosperity, leaving them running on empty; and supports Young Lives vs Cancer's call for the establishment of a Government-funded young cancer patient travel fund to address this unfairness.

Sponsored by:
Sir George Howarth (Labour)