Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fiscal Floor

Wednesday 22 November 2023 · 2 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

  • Stephen Farry inquired about the Government's assessment of introducing a fiscal floor for Northern Ireland.
  • The Government acknowledged the proposals from Stephen Farry and Gavin Robinson regarding the fiscal floor.
  • The Secretary of State emphasized the importance of basing any fiscal floor on evidence and the work of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Farry
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential benefits of a fiscal floor for Northern Ireland, which has been discussed by other MPs and organizations.

Question

What assessment have the Government made of the potential merits of introducing a fiscal floor for Northern Ireland?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the hon. Member for the proposals that he and his party have shared with me regarding these matters, as well as those of the hon. Member for Belfast East (Gavin Robinson). I read his article in The Irish Times earlier this morning with great interest, but he will know that such change is not exactly the silver bullet and will need some negotiation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific merits assessment requested was not provided

How: Such Change Is Not Exactly The Silver Bullet

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Q2 Stephen Farry
Economy Taxation Northern Ireland
Context

The MP seeks to ensure that any fiscal floor introduced is driven by evidence and based on previous work, specifically the devolution of policing and justice.

Question

A fiscal floor is vital to Northern Ireland. Can the Secretary of State ensure that any fiscal floor is driven by evidence, based on the work of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council, draws on the work of Professor Holtham in Wales, and properly reflects the devolution of policing and justice, as happened in 2010 around need?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

There is always some debate on the basis of need, and the Fiscal Council outlined what it should be in its eyes. In general principles, the answer is yes. A lot of conversations are to be had, and the Fiscal Council helpfully published a report earlier this year, but I remind the hon. Gentleman that the proposal for Wales took over seven years to negotiate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitments requested were not clearly addressed

How: A Lot Of Conversations Are To Be Had

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