Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland responds to UK Government Spring Statement 2025 28 March 2025 Responding to the Spring Statement 2025, Jane-Claire Judson, CEO of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “At a time when many people living with long-term health conditions are struggling to access the support they need, the Spring Statement will only add to the pressures on individuals and the voluntary organisations supporting them. “Cuts to social security entitlements will have a devastating impact on disabled people with long-term conditions, pushing more people into financial hardship. Additionally, this will incur increasing demand on the already overstretched charities providing vital support services. “Scotland’s health charities and voluntary sector are facing unprecedented challenges. Years of underfunding, the lasting effects of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have created a perfect storm – one that is putting life-changing services at risk. “The Chancellor’s failure to address rising employer National Insurance Contributions will cost Scotland’s voluntary sector tens of millions of pounds each year, placing additional financial strain on the very organisations that are filling the gaps in public services. “This situation is unsustainable. Charities cannot continue to subsidise essential support while facing increasing costs and demand. We recognise that welfare reforms will have real-life consequences, pushing more people into crisis and driving up demand on charities. “It’s vital that charities, who work every day to support people affected by these changes, are fully engaged in decisions about welfare and volunteering. Our sector has the expertise to inform the development of policy and advise on the impact and how they will work in practice. The UK and Scottish Governments need to ensure that there is a seat at the table for this expertise to be shared, and the voices of those most affected to be heard.”