Last week, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivered the 2020 Budget speech, which included key announcements relevant to health, research and innovation.

By 2024-25, investment in science will increase to £22 billion:

• £800 million for the new ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency)
• £400 million to boost world-leading research in universities
• £200 million for a Life Sciences investment programme
• £80 million for specialist research institutions
• £12 million towards the NIHR to invest in prevention research
• £2 million for the Government Office for Science to expand strategic science capabilities
• £16.4 million to higher-quality data-sharing across government.

NHS funding has been increased by £6 billion, with a particular focus on the NHS workforce. Social care has received an extra £1 billion.

Special measures against COVID-19 include a £12 billion support package for public services, businesses and individuals, with £30 million earmarked for research.

The 2020 Budget officially launched the Comprehensive Spending Review, which will include fuller details of funding allocations and conclude in July. AMRC will be working on a submission and consulting PAWG members on this in due course.

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