SDLP Leader and South Belfast MP Claire Hanna has issued a dual challenge to both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive ahead of the upcoming UK Budget, demanding a fairer economy and greater financial responsibility locally.

The SDLP is calling for immediate reforms, including:

• Increased taxes on unearned and accumulated wealth to raise revenue.

• Removal of the two-child limit on benefits.

• An increase in the tax-free childcare allowance.

• Enhanced fiscal powers for the Northern Ireland Executive. Ms Hanna stated that families and businesses are being "squeezed in all directions," with public services deteriorating and costs rising. She argued that the UK government must reform a tax system that has "prioritised the accumulation and extraction of wealth."

The MP was particularly critical of the Northern Ireland Executive, stating that Ministers "cannot continue to absolve themselves of any responsibility" for the state of public finances.

"All too often Executive Ministers are quick to blame the UK Government for their every woe, to distract from their own leadership failures," she said.

The SDLP will use its Opposition Day on Tuesday to call on the Executive to implement a multi-year Budget and present credible options for enhanced fiscal powers and the rebuilding of public services.

Ms Hanna concluded that the Opposition motion seeks to "force Ministers to acknowledge the power in their own hands and use it to address the many challenges facing Northern Ireland."