Finance Minister John O'Dowd has opened a public consultation regarding the draft Budget for 2026-2029/30, calling on citizens to contribute their views on the future of Northern Ireland's public services.

The proposed multi-year budget aims to offer government departments the financial predictability required for effective long-term planning. According to the Minister, this approach is essential to facilitate major improvements across the public sector.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Dowd stated: "A multi-year budget provides the opportunity to give departments the certainty they need for long-term planning and create the conditions to drive transformational change."

He emphasised the significance of the process: "Setting a multi-year budget is one of the biggest decisions we will take during this Assembly mandate."

The Minister is explicitly seeking feedback from a wide cross-section of society, including families, workers, businesses, and local communities. However, he was frank about the fiscal realities, warning that requests for extra funding in specific areas must be accompanied by realistic proposals on where those resources should be diverted from.

"I want to hear the views and ideas of workers, families, businesses and communities. Your input will be vital in shaping the public services that matter most to you," Minister O'Dowd said.

He continued: "Any spending increase in one area will inevitably mean a reduction in another. I want everyone to get involved and have their say. If you believe additional funding should be allocated to a particular area, please share your ideas including suggestions where that funding should be reallocated from. It is important that proposed ideas and solutions are put forward. I have made the same request to my Ministerial colleagues."

Addressing the economic context, the Minister pointed to external pressures: "There is no doubt the ongoing under investment in public services by the British Government means that both the Resource and Capital DEL funding position remain extremely constrained. Our public services are facing increased demand and increased pressures with increased costs to deliver the services people rely on." Consequently, he noted: "In this context it is simply not possible to provide any department with the funding it has requested."

The draft budget outlines day-to-day spending for the next three years (2026-2029) and capital investment over four years (2026-2030).

Regarding resource allocations, Minister O'Dowd said: "I am proposing providing almost £26 billion to support our health service, including £495 million dedicated to cutting health waiting lists."

He further outlined that "Almost £10 billion would be provided for education," while confirming that his proposals "would also see the PSNI Workforce Recovery costs of £133.3 million met in full and increased funding towards ending violence against women and girls."

On the capital side, the focus is aligned with the Executive's Programme for Government. "I believe this Draft Budget focuses capital investment towards our Programme for Government commitments," the Minister explained.

Key infrastructure projects are set to receive significant backing. "Over £4 billion is proposed for infrastructure projects including funding for the A5, A6 and Belfast Transport Hub which are vital to driving economic growth and enhancing connectivity," he said.

Housing and associated utilities are also prioritised. "I am proposing £441.7 million for the building of new social homes with £433.7 million for water infrastructure to unlock capacity and enable the construction of more new homes," Minister O'Dowd confirmed. Additionally, to aid pupils with Special Educational Needs, he is "proposing £24 million specifically for the SEN schools' estate."

The Minister concluded by stressing that the status quo is unsustainable. "With demand for public services outpacing the funding available, continuing to do as we have always done is not an option. The need for transformation and consideration of different ways of delivering could not be clearer," he said.

"Delivering our Programme for Government priorities will require the Executive collectively, and individual Ministers, to take challenging decisions to prioritise the available funding to deliver the desired outcomes.

"I encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation and help us to work together to develop a multi-year budget that makes the best possible use of the resources available. Have your say and help shape the future."