Menu
28/02/2025
O'Dowd Challenges Treasury On National Insurance Increases
Finance Minister John O'Dowd met with his Welsh and Scottish counterparts and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Cardiff to discuss key financial issues.
Following the Finance Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC), Minister O'Dowd expressed concerns about the impact of National Insurance increases on public services.
"I welcomed the opportunity to meet and engage with my counterparts ahead of the upcoming Spending Review. I want to grow the economy and make life better for the people we all serve and investment in public services is central to this," said Minister O'Dowd.
He highlighted the "adverse impact the National Insurance increase will have on public services if costs aren't met in full," stating that "a shortfall in funding simply isn't acceptable and there needs to be a change in approach."
Minister O'Dowd also raised other pressing issues, including Hospitality VAT, childcare, changes to Agriculture Property Relief, and Casement Park.
He emphasized the potential of multi-year budgets but stressed that they must be "coupled with increased investment in public services" to be effective.
Following the Finance Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC), Minister O'Dowd expressed concerns about the impact of National Insurance increases on public services.
He highlighted the "adverse impact the National Insurance increase will have on public services if costs aren't met in full," stating that "a shortfall in funding simply isn't acceptable and there needs to be a change in approach."
Minister O'Dowd also raised other pressing issues, including Hospitality VAT, childcare, changes to Agriculture Property Relief, and Casement Park.
He emphasized the potential of multi-year budgets but stressed that they must be "coupled with increased investment in public services" to be effective.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2025
Spring Statement Neglects Public Services – O'Dowd
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has criticised the Chancellor's Spring Statement, arguing that it continues an austerity agenda and neglects vital public services in Northern Ireland.
Spring Statement Neglects Public Services – O'Dowd
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has criticised the Chancellor's Spring Statement, arguing that it continues an austerity agenda and neglects vital public services in Northern Ireland.
26 February 2025
Finance Minister Welcomes Passage Of 2024-25 Budget
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the 2024-25 Budget passing its final legislative stages in the Assembly, allowing departments to continue delivering essential public services. "I welcome agreement of the Budget Bill's final stage.
Finance Minister Welcomes Passage Of 2024-25 Budget
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the 2024-25 Budget passing its final legislative stages in the Assembly, allowing departments to continue delivering essential public services. "I welcome agreement of the Budget Bill's final stage.
14 March 2014
Finance Minister Warns On Future Public Spending
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said the next number of years in Northern Ireland will "eclipse even the last four years of austerity.
Finance Minister Warns On Future Public Spending
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said the next number of years in Northern Ireland will "eclipse even the last four years of austerity.
07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
26 October 2022
Public Transport Fares Frozen For Another Year
Public transport fares will remain frozen for another year in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced. Minister O'Dowd said: "I am very aware of the pressures facing people across the North with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Public Transport Fares Frozen For Another Year
Public transport fares will remain frozen for another year in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced. Minister O'Dowd said: "I am very aware of the pressures facing people across the North with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
