Real-terms protection for science budget

Chancellor George Osborne today delivered the Government’s Spending Review announcement, saying: “In the modern world one of the best ways you can back business is by backing science.

“That’s why in the last Parliament, I protected the resource budget for science in cash terms. In this Parliament I’m protecting it in real terms so it rises to £4.7bn. That’s £500 million more by the end of the decade. Alongside £6.9bn in the capital budget.”

Professor Dominic Tildesley, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “UK science has continually proven it presents value for money and it is hugely encouraging to see our science base recognised as a vital part of the infrastructure needed to build a growing, knowledge-based economy.

“Tackling global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and climate change is crucial for all of us and we welcome the focus on science’s contribution to that fight.

“As Science Minister Jo Johnson points out, science is vital to our prosperity and security and we are delighted that the Chancellor has so clearly recognised the value that science delivers to our economy – particularly recognising cuts elsewhere".