The Lagan Valley MP said our long-term finances remain an ongoing concern following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ statement, adding vulnerable families here would still have concerns following it, especially as implications related to announced funding had to be clarified.
“Prior to the Budget, I wrote to the Chancellor to outline a series of priorities Alliance were calling for on behalf of many local people and small businesses,” she said.
“One of those was changes to the Government’s fiscal rules and I welcome the move on that. There was also the positive unpausing of the City and Growth Deals – which should not have been suspended in the first place – given how key they are to economic growth and removing regional imbalances.
“However, this statement was also full of disappointments. It falls short of what is required to meet day-to-day running costs of public services in Northern Ireland. Our long-term finances remain a concern, with fair funding still to be achieved. The vital transformation of our public services cannot happen from a platform of cuts, short-term moves and instability. The lack of political reform is leading to one-year, non-strategic budgets, highlighted again today.
“The long-term finances of Northern Ireland remain a concern, with fair funding still to be achieved. It’s also disappointing Alliance’s call for a full review of this region’s relative need was not heeded. The vital transformation of our public services cannot happen from a platform of cuts, short-term moves and instability. The lack of political reform is leading to one-year, non-strategic budgets, highlighted again today.
“Meanwhile, while I am thankful our call for additional support for carers was listened to, many vulnerable households will remain concerned following the Budget. With the cost of living increasing, the two-child benefit limit should be removed and there should be clear commitments to mitigate winter fuel payments and give other supports.
“Neither did any clarity come on the Shared Prosperity Fund. Community and voluntary groups are hugely concerned about funding, and today will not have helped. Many small businesses will also feel targeted in this Budget. They simply cannot absorb another financial hit, whereas multinationals and the super wealthy can.
“Despite today’s many disappointments, Alliance will continue to push for a review of our relative need in Northern Ireland, as well as meaningful support for those who need it most. We need transformation of our public services, instead of a funding system and financial priorities that constantly leave us scrambling at a disadvantage.”
“Prior to the Budget, I wrote to the Chancellor to outline a series of priorities Alliance were calling for on behalf of many local people and small businesses,” she said.
“One of those was changes to the Government’s fiscal rules and I welcome the move on that. There was also the positive unpausing of the City and Growth Deals – which should not have been suspended in the first place – given how key they are to economic growth and removing regional imbalances.
“However, this statement was also full of disappointments. It falls short of what is required to meet day-to-day running costs of public services in Northern Ireland. Our long-term finances remain a concern, with fair funding still to be achieved. The vital transformation of our public services cannot happen from a platform of cuts, short-term moves and instability. The lack of political reform is leading to one-year, non-strategic budgets, highlighted again today.
“The long-term finances of Northern Ireland remain a concern, with fair funding still to be achieved. It’s also disappointing Alliance’s call for a full review of this region’s relative need was not heeded. The vital transformation of our public services cannot happen from a platform of cuts, short-term moves and instability. The lack of political reform is leading to one-year, non-strategic budgets, highlighted again today.
“Meanwhile, while I am thankful our call for additional support for carers was listened to, many vulnerable households will remain concerned following the Budget. With the cost of living increasing, the two-child benefit limit should be removed and there should be clear commitments to mitigate winter fuel payments and give other supports.
“Neither did any clarity come on the Shared Prosperity Fund. Community and voluntary groups are hugely concerned about funding, and today will not have helped. Many small businesses will also feel targeted in this Budget. They simply cannot absorb another financial hit, whereas multinationals and the super wealthy can.
“Despite today’s many disappointments, Alliance will continue to push for a review of our relative need in Northern Ireland, as well as meaningful support for those who need it most. We need transformation of our public services, instead of a funding system and financial priorities that constantly leave us scrambling at a disadvantage.”