IChemE initial response to UK Government’s 2025 Autumn Budget
1st December 2025
On the 26 November, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, delivered the 2025 Autumn Budget. In response, IChemE’s Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Baker OBE commented:
"Most of the interest around this budget has been on the big picture tax questions facing the Government, but we should not forget that budgets are crucial opportunities for the Government to make the serious investments needed to achieve stated goals on growth and clean energy.
We welcome the budget explicitly recognising the foundational role of chemicals sector (albeit it hidden in the footnotes) and the need for support with energy costs. What is important now is that this support is – in fact and actions - appropriately targeted, timely, and delivered effectively.
We support the principle of expanding maintenance grants for disadvantaged students studying priority courses - particularly STEM subjects. However, it is vital that linking this to the new International Student Levy does not impair further the financial viability of some STEM courses which are already under considerable strain.”
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.