12/03/2020
Budget: Extra £210m For NI Public Services
Business and political leaders have been giving their reactions to the Budget, with an extra £210 million allocated for public services in Northern Ireland.
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, yesterday pledged a £12 billion package of measures aimed at tackling the spread of coronavirus across the UK.
While businesses in England will receive a break on rates bills, local Finance Minister Conor Murphy has not committed to extending the measure to Northern Ireland.
Of the money offered, £138 million is for infrastructure spending while £77 million remains for day-to-day costs.
Minister Murphy said the budget fails to deliver the money required for "first class public services", with the gap between financial pressures and the funding available before the budget estimated at almost £600 million.
Speaking after the Chancellor set out his plans in the House of Commons, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director Aodhán Connolly offered a cautious welcome but said a lot more still needs to be done.
"On the face of it, this budget has coronavirus very much at its focus and the interventions that government is making in this area are hugely welcome.
"The extra £210 million coming to Northern Ireland as art of the block grant is also very welcome. However, we need to make sure that it is not just spent to plug holes in our own devolved budget."
Meanwhile, the continuation of Air Passenger Duty is a let down for local business leaders.
"This is especially important since the closure of Flybe," Mr Connolly continued. "There remains a need for connectivity from Belfast to the rest of the UK and beyond. It is essential in today's global marketplace."
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, yesterday pledged a £12 billion package of measures aimed at tackling the spread of coronavirus across the UK.
While businesses in England will receive a break on rates bills, local Finance Minister Conor Murphy has not committed to extending the measure to Northern Ireland.
Of the money offered, £138 million is for infrastructure spending while £77 million remains for day-to-day costs.
Minister Murphy said the budget fails to deliver the money required for "first class public services", with the gap between financial pressures and the funding available before the budget estimated at almost £600 million.
Speaking after the Chancellor set out his plans in the House of Commons, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director Aodhán Connolly offered a cautious welcome but said a lot more still needs to be done.
"On the face of it, this budget has coronavirus very much at its focus and the interventions that government is making in this area are hugely welcome.
"The extra £210 million coming to Northern Ireland as art of the block grant is also very welcome. However, we need to make sure that it is not just spent to plug holes in our own devolved budget."
Meanwhile, the continuation of Air Passenger Duty is a let down for local business leaders.
"This is especially important since the closure of Flybe," Mr Connolly continued. "There remains a need for connectivity from Belfast to the rest of the UK and beyond. It is essential in today's global marketplace."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
10 October 2007
Finances To Be Challenging At Assembly
Stormont Finance Minister Peter Robinson has warned that the chancellor's Pre-Budget report demonstrates slowing public finances and that difficult decisions will have to be made at the Assembly to meet substantial challenges in Ulster's public services.
Finances To Be Challenging At Assembly
Stormont Finance Minister Peter Robinson has warned that the chancellor's Pre-Budget report demonstrates slowing public finances and that difficult decisions will have to be made at the Assembly to meet substantial challenges in Ulster's public services.
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.