Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Minister for Finance for Northern Ireland on the ability of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to borrow to start to build homes.

As Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I am in regular contact with the Northern Ireland Minister of Finance on matters relating to Northern Ireland Executive funding, including the request for enhanced borrowing powers for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This issue was most recently discussed at the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee on 26 June 2025.

As part of the 2025 Spending Review, HM Treasury committed to begin immediate negotiations on a comprehensive Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland. These discussions will include consideration of borrowing arrangements for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.