Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Public Services: Budget

Wednesday 21 June 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government have provided around 7 billion in additional funding for Northern Ireland since 2014.
  • The budget for Northern Ireland has remained unchanged for two years.
  • The UK Government provides additional funding of 32 million per year for security measures in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John McNally SNP
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is assessing the sufficiency of current funding levels for public services.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the budget for public services in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The UK Government have recognised the unique challenges that Northern Ireland faces since 2014, providing around £7 billion in additional funding. The per capita spending is about 20% higher than in other parts of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent evaluation on adequacy of current budget allocations

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Q2 Peter Grant SNP
Economy Housing Northern Ireland
Context

A study revealed that 90% of people are cutting back on spending, with a third struggling with essentials. Against this backdrop, the government is implementing real-terms budget cuts across most public sectors.

Question

Given a recent study showing significant financial strain and cuts to Northern Ireland's public sector budgets, does the Secretary of State believe his measures make the cost of living crisis better or worse?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The budget was set two years ago and has remained unchanged. All UK Government Departments are managing inflation and energy costs within their budgets, as Northern Ireland's Executive is required to do so.

Not addressed: Did not address whether the cuts make the crisis better or worse

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 John McNally SNP
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities Children & Families
Context

Research found that women are disproportionately affected by poverty, with high percentages struggling to afford basic necessities like food and utilities. The research highlights cuts to holiday hunger payments and free school meals.

Question

Given the struggle of women and children due to budget cuts affecting holiday hunger payments and free school meals, can the Minister explain why these groups are being forced to suffer for the economic challenges created by his party?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The budget is fair and allows statutory obligations to be met. The Minister meets women's groups regularly and understands the implications of the budget but believes it should be addressed by Northern Ireland Ministers.

Not addressed: Did not explain why cuts affect women and children specifically

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 Richard Thomson
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

The Police Service of Northern Ireland faces a £141 million budget shortfall, necessitating further cuts to an already understaffed force.

Question

Given the severe terror threat and current police numbers at their lowest since 1978, what steps will the UK Government take to ensure the police can meet security challenges while serving the community?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The police budget is devolved, but additional funding of £32 million per year is provided by the UK Government for security measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps to address the entire shortfall or staffing needs

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