I am looking for a PhD in the UK. Is a funded PhD better academically than setting up a non-funded PhD? I was looking at doing a part-time PhD while still working as a lab tech. The topic is more important to me rather than whether funding comes with the PhD.

A phD is a PhD - it doesn't matter who funds it.

Tomas, there is no difference - the programme is the same. The programme itself might only differ in structure from a university to a university! And you always have to apply for funding separately from your PhD application or indicate it on your application, so it will be up to you to decide whether to apply for funding. Besides, as far as I know it is much harder to find a funded PhD if you do it part-time.