Response to the 2025/26 DSIT Spending Allocations

“We are very pleased to see the full publication of DSIT’s 2025/26 spending allocations. They confirm that last year’s Autumn budget included a strong settlement for R&D, one which has seen an overall increase on R&D spend within DSIT and includes full support for Horizon Europe association, something CaSE has campaigned for.

“However, despite this broadly positive outlook, the allocations show us that the financial year will be tight for UKRI, which appears to be receiving a flat cash settlement. This means that there will be difficult decisions about where to focus these resources in the coming year.

“Our public opinion research tells us the public want to see the Government invest in R&D and that the public see R&D as a tool for solving society’s problems. It is vital that, as a sector, we continue to make the case for an ambitious settlement for R&D in the upcoming spending review. We must build on the good news in these allocations, and work constructively to address any areas of concern.”