Barnett Formula 2024-07-24
2024-07-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is an ongoing discussion about the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland, which affects funding distribution.
If he will have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on reforming the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland. The interim fiscal framework agreed earlier this year introduced a needs-based funding formula set at 124% of spending per head in England, based on the advice of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council.
The interim fiscal framework agreed earlier this year introduced a needs-based funding formula set at 124% of spending per head in England, based on the advice of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council. We are committed to taking forward these discussions with the Executive.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific reforms or timeline for reforming the Barnett formula
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The need for a properly resourced public service in Northern Ireland is crucial and impacts constituents. The question centres around ensuring new arrangements are fully baselined and informed by independent expert analysis.
Fixing Northern Ireland's financial framework is crucial to ensure that our public services are properly resourced, impacting my constituents in Lagan Valley. Will he ensure that any new arrangements are fully baselined and informed by independent expert analysis?
The Northern Ireland Fiscal Council was set up to help answer questions about what the need is in Northern Ireland. It came up with a range of between 121% and 127%, opting for 124% in the middle, which was included in the interim fiscal framework negotiated by the previous Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ensuring new arrangements are fully baselined or informed by independent expert analysis
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor has indicated a 5% increase in wages for health workers and those in the education sector, but due to current Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland, this may not apply to workers there. The question seeks urgent action.
The Chancellor has announced a 5% wage increase for health workers and those in the education sector. However, given the current Barnett consequentials, Northern Ireland workers will not receive the same increase. Will the Secretary of State urgently look at this issue to ensure that these workers get the same increase?
Decisions about pay in Northern Ireland are a matter for the Executive. Any additional spending in England will apply through the Barnett consequentials to Northern Ireland in the normal way.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to urgently addressing the issue of wage increases for workers in Northern Ireland
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question discusses how funding is allocated and generated, which are matters for the devolved administration and assembly in Northern Ireland.
Does he agree that how funding is allocated and further revenue might be generated are matters for the devolved Administration and Assembly?
All Governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, have the money they have coming in, the money they can raise in addition, and how they will prioritise their spending. The Northern Ireland Executive has more funding per head of population than England.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the export development guarantee that was not proceeded with to save Harland and Wolff, a company with an outstanding defence contract. The speaker asks for continued support.
On Monday, the Government decided not to proceed with an export development guarantee or emergency loans to save Harland and Wolff despite its unique role and outstanding defence contract. Will the Secretary of State use his position to continue previous Government's support and make it clear to the Treasury that people in Northern Ireland expect intervention?
Harland and Wolff is now talking to its main supporters, Riverstone, about potential additional financial support. We are committed to shipbuilding across the United Kingdom, including in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to continuing previous government's support or making a clear stance on intervention with Treasury
Response accuracy