Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted the additional funding provided by the Budget and asked about its impact on Northern Ireland, referencing the substantial settlements announced at the spending review. She highlighted the government's efforts to support devolved nations like Northern Ireland.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the autumn Budget 2025 on Northern Ireland? The £370 million for the Northern Ireland Executive in this year’s Budget, which the Secretary of State mentioned, and the £505 million for Wales, on top of the settlements announced at the spending review, show that this Government take supporting the devolved nations seriously. Does the Secretary of State agree that co-operation between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, and other devolved nations, is crucial to pulling children out of poverty, improving public services and kick-starting growth across the UK?
I do agree with my hon. Friend. That is why the Government’s decision to lift the two-child benefit cap was widely welcomed in Northern Ireland. I would also point out that Northern Ireland is being funded slightly above its level of need; it gets 24% more than equivalent spending in England, meaning that the Executive have more money to make their decisions with.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned a fund set up for the transformation of public services when the Executive were restored two years ago and noted that this money has not been fully allocated. He asked about the Secretary of State's intentions regarding this issue.
When the Executive were restored two years ago, a fund was set up for the transformation of public services. As of yet, that money has not been fully allocated. Will the Secretary of State use his offices to encourage the Executive to deploy that transformation fund to transform Northern Ireland’s public services?
The public services transformation fund is a very important demonstration of the partnership between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. As the hon. Member will be well aware, the first six projects have been funded, and good progress is being made on them. The transformation board is currently considering bids that are coming in for the next phase of funding. Of course, we are keen—as are the Executive—to see that money spent on transformation of how public services are delivered in Northern Ireland, which is hugely needed.
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Assessment & feedback
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