Menu
28/04/2023
£14.2bn NI Budget Announced By Secretary Of State
A new 2023-24 Budget has been announced by NI Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, alongside new legislation to ensure public services can continue to function in the absence of an NI Executive.
In a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament, Mr Heaton-Harris set out the final budget position for the current financial year.
It provides £14.2 billion to be spent by the Northern Ireland Executive, with more than half earmarked for health.
The Government will confirm this budget in legislation if a devolved government is not in place.
Mr Heaton-Harris also introduced the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Bill, which allows current civil servant decision-making arrangements to continue until an Executive is formed.
The Bill also includes new powers for the Secretary of State to direct Northern Ireland departments to provide him with advice or consult on options to raise revenue or deliver sustainable public finances in the ongoing absence of NI Ministers.
Combined, these steps provide funding clarity and ensure governance will continue if an Executive is not restored before the current arrangements expire on 5 June.
The Secretary of State met Northern Ireland's party leaders today at Hillsborough Castle to provide an update on these points.
Mr Heaton-Harris said: "It should be for locally elected politicians to take this strategic decision-making to transform and modernise NI's public services.
"However, the approach taken in setting the budget and the provisions included in the Interim Arrangements Bill will ensure important work progresses if an Executive is still not in place."
Mr Heaton-Harris said it was clear that work needed to happen to get Northern Ireland's finances onto a sustainable footing. He said:
"This situation exists despite the UK Government providing additional funding totalling £7 billion to NI since 2014, on top of extra funding provided through the Barnett formula.
"I remain committed to protecting the interests of people in Northern Ireland, and will continue to do everything I can to help the Northern Ireland Parties to work together to make that happen.
"The people of Northern Ireland deserve a stable and accountable devolved government that delivers for them."
In a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament, Mr Heaton-Harris set out the final budget position for the current financial year.
It provides £14.2 billion to be spent by the Northern Ireland Executive, with more than half earmarked for health.
The Government will confirm this budget in legislation if a devolved government is not in place.
Mr Heaton-Harris also introduced the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Bill, which allows current civil servant decision-making arrangements to continue until an Executive is formed.
The Bill also includes new powers for the Secretary of State to direct Northern Ireland departments to provide him with advice or consult on options to raise revenue or deliver sustainable public finances in the ongoing absence of NI Ministers.
Combined, these steps provide funding clarity and ensure governance will continue if an Executive is not restored before the current arrangements expire on 5 June.
The Secretary of State met Northern Ireland's party leaders today at Hillsborough Castle to provide an update on these points.
Mr Heaton-Harris said: "It should be for locally elected politicians to take this strategic decision-making to transform and modernise NI's public services.
"However, the approach taken in setting the budget and the provisions included in the Interim Arrangements Bill will ensure important work progresses if an Executive is still not in place."
Mr Heaton-Harris said it was clear that work needed to happen to get Northern Ireland's finances onto a sustainable footing. He said:
"This situation exists despite the UK Government providing additional funding totalling £7 billion to NI since 2014, on top of extra funding provided through the Barnett formula.
"I remain committed to protecting the interests of people in Northern Ireland, and will continue to do everything I can to help the Northern Ireland Parties to work together to make that happen.
"The people of Northern Ireland deserve a stable and accountable devolved government that delivers for them."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
28 February 2019
Northern Ireland 2019-20 Budget Published
The Northern Ireland 2019-20 Budget, which will allow departments to plan for the incoming financial year, has been published by the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley.
Northern Ireland 2019-20 Budget Published
The Northern Ireland 2019-20 Budget, which will allow departments to plan for the incoming financial year, has been published by the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley.
25 March 2010
Budget 'Welcomed' In NI
Northern Ireland should give a warm welcome to this week's budget statement. That's according to Secretary of State Shaun Woodward (pictured) who said: "The Government is determined to continue its help for NI to secure the recovery and invest in its future.
Budget 'Welcomed' In NI
Northern Ireland should give a warm welcome to this week's budget statement. That's according to Secretary of State Shaun Woodward (pictured) who said: "The Government is determined to continue its help for NI to secure the recovery and invest in its future.
27 October 2008
Safefood Encourages NI Consumers To Speak Out
Safefood is launching a public awareness campaign designed to encourage consumers across Northern Ireland to speak out if they are not satisfied with hygiene standards when eating out. The campaign also provides restaurants with guidance on how to deal with issues raised by consumers.
Safefood Encourages NI Consumers To Speak Out
Safefood is launching a public awareness campaign designed to encourage consumers across Northern Ireland to speak out if they are not satisfied with hygiene standards when eating out. The campaign also provides restaurants with guidance on how to deal with issues raised by consumers.
01 November 2024
Green Party Believes Budget Is Baby Step Forward
The UK Budget announcement was a 'baby step' in the right direction but there is still plenty of work to be done, according to Northern Ireland's Green Party. It was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday that the NI Executive would receive £1.
Green Party Believes Budget Is Baby Step Forward
The UK Budget announcement was a 'baby step' in the right direction but there is still plenty of work to be done, according to Northern Ireland's Green Party. It was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday that the NI Executive would receive £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
