2026 UK Budget reaction: What does it mean for the chemical sciences?
Chemistry is central to delivering greater economic growth for all postcodes, supporting the Chancellor's ambitions set out in his Budget speech.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey
Chemistry and the chemical sciences are central to the UK’s growth ambitions. Chemistry-using professionals added £60.5 billion to the UK economy in 2023, while almost half of these individuals work in Industrial Strategy priority sectors.
Today's Autumn Budget understandably focused on important and immediate priorities driven by challenges such as the broader global geopolitical situation. Whilst some of the sector and place-based investments announced today could support chemistry research, business and skills, there are still questions to be answered about the school university and chemistry skills provision that life sciences, defence, chemicals, cleantech and other sectors need for their chemistry workforce.
Investment in science remains necessary to long-term economic growth in all nations and regions. This must be sustained, and targeted towards the skills pipeline, and research and innovation infrastructure including multi-disciplinary facilities.
Chemical science businesses and researchers continue to face challenges including high energy costs, ageing infrastructure and regulatory complexity. Whilst support for electricity intensive Industrial Strategy sectors provides relief in 2027, if Government is to support re-industrialisation and these growth sectors, it should set out a strategy for the UK chemicals sector.
Financial pressures on universities are contributing to growing "cold spots" in chemistry provision, including the closure of Bangor University's chemistry department in North Wales. This could affect the ambition announced for the M-SParc Science Park in North Wales announced today. Furthermore, schools continue to face challenges around access to triple science, specialist teachers and technical support.
Addressing these barriers would help strengthen the UK’s capacity for innovation, support growth across all regions and maximise the chemical sciences' contribution to industrial competitiveness, jobs, growth, national resilience and environmental improvements.
The Royal Society of Chemistry will continue to work with government and other stakeholders to ensure the chemical sciences can make the fullest possible contribution to the UK economy and society.
- Tanya Sheridan is our Head of Policy & Evidence team.
The Government should follow the advice of the Council for Science & Technology (CST) and set out a clear long-term strategy for the UK chemicals sector, while also appointing a minister with accountability for its delivery.
Expand and diversify pathways into the chemical sciences workforce, including vocational and technical routes alongside academic routes.
Uprate the Strategic Priorities Grant (SPG) to reflect the increasing costs of delivering a chemistry degree.
Reverse the real-terms decline in quality-related research (QR) funding.
Provide additional funding for schools to be able to offer the triple sciences.
Review school science technician pay and conditions to attract and retain science technicians.
Invest in the circular economy skills and workforce required to deliver the Industrial Strategy.
Implement adequately resourced and comprehensive monitoring programmes to identify and monitor trends of contaminants of emerging concern in water, soils, wildlife and humans.
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Our teams labour tirelessly to identify and explain how the chemical sciences can improve our society. Economic growth, education and skills, innovation, and sustainability are just some of the topics on which we have been working. Our policy pages set out the evidence behind our recommendations and what we are asking Government to do. They also show how you can add your voice to our campaigns.
Learn more about our work by visiting our policy and campaigning page.