Finance Minister welcomed the 2024-25 Budget
passing its final legislative stages in the Assembly.
Minister O'Dowd said: “I welcome agreement of the Budget
Bill's final stage. This will enable Departments to continue to
deliver vital public services for the rest of the 2024-25
financial year. Attention will now focus on finalising the budget
for next year.
“Despite the financial challenges facing us, Ministers have
worked together to make a positive difference to allocate
resources to improve the lives of workers, families and
communities.
“The 2024-25 Budget provided £25 million for early learning and
childcare support measures, supporting hard working families by
making childcare more affordable. This investment will be doubled
to £50 million under the 2025-26 Draft Budget.
“Almost £1 billion of funding was allocated in June and October
monitoring rounds to where it was most needed from health to
education and policing to social housing and wastewater
infrastructure.”
The Draft 2025-26 Budget is
currently out for consultation until 13 March.
Minister O'Dowd added: “I would encourage everyone to have their
say on the Draft 2025-26 Budget to ensure we prioritise the
finite funding available to continue doing what matters most.
“I hope the 2025-26 Budget can be our last single year budget and
we can begin to set budgets on a multi-year basis, allowing for a
more long-term strategic approach.
“There is no doubt the financial outlook remains difficult. But I
am determined to work together with my Ministerial colleagues to
put our finances on a more sustainable footing.
“Devolved Governments face many common challenges. I am looking
forward to meeting with my counterparts in Scotland and Wales and
the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Cardiff tomorrow.
“I will continue to champion the case for better funding for
public services for workers, families and businesses.”
