Oral Answers to Questions

Deirdre Costigan Excerpts

Wednesday 27th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mark Ferguson (Gateshead Central and Whickham) (Lab)]

6. What assessment he has made of the impact of the autumn Budget 2024 on Northern Ireland.

[Deirdre Costigan (Ealing Southall) (Lab)]

11. What assessment he has made of the impact of the autumn Budget 2024 on Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

This Government are providing the Executive with an £18.2 billion funding settlement for 2025-26. This represents a £1.5 billion increase on this year and is the largest settlement since devolution. It is now for the Executive to decide how the funding is spent.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

I do. There is no doubt that the funding the Northern Ireland Executive received as a result of the Budget was more than they had anticipated, but all government is about making choices with the resources we have and the income we can raise, and deciding what our priorities are. The Budget provides a sound foundation for the Northern Ireland Executive to take the decisions they need to take.

[Deirdre Costigan]

Does the Secretary of State agree that to ensure sustainable finances, the Northern Ireland Executive need to set out clear steps to reform both the NHS and broader public services?

[Hilary Benn]

I do agree with that. As my hon. Friend and the House will know, the longest waiting lists in the health service in the United Kingdom are to be found in Northern Ireland. That is not acceptable, above all for those people who are waiting far too long. There is a plan for reform, which I welcome, but the people of Northern Ireland want to see progress happening.