Menu
10/05/2023
Alliance To Introduce Amendments To Interim Arrangements Bill
The Alliance Party have proposed a number of amendments to the Northern Ireland Interim Arrangements Bill, which is scheduled to complete its journey through the House of Commons today, Wednesday 10 May.
The proposed amendments cover a range of issues, including an 'invest to save' financial package for Northern Ireland, an updated report into the costs of a divided society and a needs-based review of the Barnett Formula.
Announcing the amendment, North Down MP Stephen Farry, said: "The Budget crisis is the biggest issue facing Northern Ireland and is the main area where we are experiencing a democratic deficit.
"Alliance will be using Wednesday's debate to raise the budget crisis and highlight a number of ways in which we can make our public finances much more sustainable. It is utterly disingenuous for anyone to claim the absence of an Executive doesn't make a difference to how this crisis can be handled.
"As things stand, we are facing a spiral of cuts that damage public services and undermines our economy. We need to break this cycle. Alliance has put forward a number of amendments to help stabilise and then transform our public finances.
"The key step is an invest to save package to be negotiated with the Treasury. Most people recognise we need to transform our public services. But there is no space to do so from a burning platform. We recognise any such financial assistance would be heavily conditional. If a business no longer had a workable business model they would have to restructure and would often seek financial assistance to do so. We have already presented proposals to Government on this.
"We are also seeking the commissioning of an updated report on the financial cost of managing a divided society and associated distortions. Scarce resources could be much better invested in improved and shared public services for all.
"Finally, we take note of the work of the NI Fiscal Commission and how the value of the Barnett Formula is diverging from the relative needs of this region. Much more detailed work needs to be undertaken in this area."
The proposed amendments cover a range of issues, including an 'invest to save' financial package for Northern Ireland, an updated report into the costs of a divided society and a needs-based review of the Barnett Formula.
Announcing the amendment, North Down MP Stephen Farry, said: "The Budget crisis is the biggest issue facing Northern Ireland and is the main area where we are experiencing a democratic deficit.
"Alliance will be using Wednesday's debate to raise the budget crisis and highlight a number of ways in which we can make our public finances much more sustainable. It is utterly disingenuous for anyone to claim the absence of an Executive doesn't make a difference to how this crisis can be handled.
"As things stand, we are facing a spiral of cuts that damage public services and undermines our economy. We need to break this cycle. Alliance has put forward a number of amendments to help stabilise and then transform our public finances.
"The key step is an invest to save package to be negotiated with the Treasury. Most people recognise we need to transform our public services. But there is no space to do so from a burning platform. We recognise any such financial assistance would be heavily conditional. If a business no longer had a workable business model they would have to restructure and would often seek financial assistance to do so. We have already presented proposals to Government on this.
"We are also seeking the commissioning of an updated report on the financial cost of managing a divided society and associated distortions. Scarce resources could be much better invested in improved and shared public services for all.
"Finally, we take note of the work of the NI Fiscal Commission and how the value of the Barnett Formula is diverging from the relative needs of this region. Much more detailed work needs to be undertaken in this area."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
24 November 2023
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
24 June 2024
Alliance Calls For Increased Financial Package For NI
Alliance has called for Northern Ireland's public finances funding package to be increased in order to support everyone across society.
Alliance Calls For Increased Financial Package For NI
Alliance has called for Northern Ireland's public finances funding package to be increased in order to support everyone across society.
13 December 2023
UUP Welcomes New Financial Parkage For NI
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has welcomed the announcement of a new financial parkage for NI, announced by the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris. Speaking following all-party talks at Royal Hillsborough, Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson Dr.
UUP Welcomes New Financial Parkage For NI
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has welcomed the announcement of a new financial parkage for NI, announced by the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris. Speaking following all-party talks at Royal Hillsborough, Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson Dr.
13 February 2024
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
