Executive Budget To Focus On Health, Education And Lough Neagh

The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the 2025/26 Budget, outlining increased investment in key areas including reducing health waiting lists, Special Educational Needs (SEN), skills development for economic growth, the protection of Lough Neagh, and safer communities.

Announcing the budget, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin) stated: "The Budget reflects our Programme for Government commitment to 'Doing What Matters Most' and shows this Executive's determination to work together to deliver."

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to healthcare, with £215 million earmarked for cutting health waiting lists and supporting investment in elective care.

The Executive has also committed to doubling investment in the Early Years and Childcare Strategy to £50 million, aiming to support young children and working families.

Education will see notable increases, with an additional £15 million allocated to Special Educational Needs and £15 million dedicated to building the skills required to grow the economy both now and in the future. Community safety is another priority, with an extra £5 million allocated to making communities safer and £2 million directed towards efforts to end violence against women and girls.

Recognising the environmental importance of Lough Neagh, the budget includes a £5 million investment aimed at protecting the vital waterway.

Furthermore, £21.3 million has been allocated for transformation projects across health, justice, infrastructure, and Special Educational Needs.

Outlining capital spending plans, Minister Archibald added, "In line with our commitment to create more housing we are investing an additional £105.7 million in waste water infrastructure and an additional £100 million for social housing."

Concluding her announcement, Minister Archibald acknowledged the ongoing financial challenges: "Today shows this Executive is prepared to do things differently and prioritise the limited funding we have available to make real change for the better in people's daily lives. There is no doubt that the financial outlook still remains incredibly challenging particularly given the Westminster Government's continued policy of austerity. I will continue to make the case for better funding and to work together with my Executive colleagues to support our workers, families and communities."