John O'Dowd
Upper Bann · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As I set out in response to the previous question, we have in place the vacant property rate relief scheme and the small business rate relief scheme, which are very successful. I set aside £10 million in the draft Budget for small business rate relief to be invested.”
“I am particularly keen to hear from those impacted by vacant commercial units and especially about how any phased increase can be implemented in a sustainable way that is fair, proportionate and sustainable within the tax system.”
“I outlined my intent to take that approach in my statement on 18 November, alongside the fact that reform of rating policy should support growth, make better use of property and ensure that the system is fair, proportionate and aligned with wider economic objectives.”
“The accelerator will operate alongside our highly successful Back in Business scheme, which has helped to bring over 100 vacant high street properties back into use since May 2024. Those issues have been the subject of considerable interest and comment in the Assembly, and it is right that we grasp the nettle now.”
“There are no circumstances in which a hard border would be good for the people of Ireland; it would not be good for anyone. Those who suggest that are being naive at best and dangerous at worst, in the sense of not understanding this society. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities along the border are one and the same.”
“This announcement represents the next step in that. That said, I also put on record my intention to strengthen support for small businesses. In that vein, £10 million has been set aside in the draft Budget to broaden the impact of the small business rate relief scheme in order to increase the number of businesses that can benefit from it.…”
The complete record
Every one of 6,140 lines we hold for John O'Dowd, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 44 of 123.
“He made the point that none of the funds that we are talking about in the Bill has been raised by the Assembly. That is factually correct. However, is that not an argument for more fiscal authority and powers for the Assembly? As the Member said, it will be stamped, "Made in Stormont", produced by the Northern Ireland Assembly. If we are voting on it and managing it, let us have more authority and more power over it. He missed this point: the money that we spend has come from the taxes of the people whom we represent. That is an important point to remember in this equation. While it may be held in the Treasury, the taxes that go to the Treasury come from the people whom we represent, so let us ensure that we give them full representation.”
“Again, I emphasise that I will work with Ministers in all Departments. There will also be a challenge function in that. I do not pick out Communities in that regard: there is a challenge function for me, as Minister, to ensure that all Departments are doing everything within their power to help themselves; that they are using the funding that they have effectively and efficiently; that their further spending proposals fit in with the draft Programme for Government; and that they ensure that public services will be improved effectively and efficiently. I will approach all Ministers on that basis. <BR /> <BR />Timothy Gaston did not miss the opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net. If I leave an open net, why would he not? I can understand why he did that.”
“I am meeting the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on, I think, 27 February, along with the Finance Ministers from Scotland and Wales, as part of the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee. The three of us have already met to discuss how we will approach our meeting with the Treasury, and I believe that we will do so with a combined voice, which will lend more strength to our arguments. Work is therefore ongoing. When will the Treasury confirm its figures? That is a matter for the Treasury. I have asked for the figures to be confirmed as soon as possible. The Treasury is working its way through its processes, and, unfortunately, I have no control over that. <BR /> <BR />Sian Mulholland referred to the need for more social housing and a range of other matters concerning the Department for Communities.”
“How much we will get in return from Barnett consequentials has yet to be confirmed to me. Members ask how much I am looking for from the Treasury. The answer is that I am looking for it all. I have asked the Treasury to reimburse fully the Executive, councils and the community and voluntary sector. It is an ambitious ask, but that is from where we have to start, so that is how much I have asked for.”
“That data-driven evidence will allow me to approach the Treasury and Whitehall in a more informed and robust way than simply going along with well-rehearsed arguments. The work of Professor Holtham, who is well respected, will be crucial to ensuring that the Executive are properly funded. <BR /> <BR />Diane Forsythe commended the departmental officials who have been engaging with the Committee for Finance, and I very much welcome that. My officials work extremely hard and are keen to work with the Committee and others. <BR /> <BR />I wrote to the Finance Committee to give it all the information that I can at this stage about increases in employers' National Insurance contributions. The estimated cost to the Executive, to councils and to the community and voluntary sector will be in the region of £200 million.”
“The legislation before us is not the place for the clarification that he requires or for further linkages to be made to the PFG. As he knows, legislation is a rather blunt instrument, but, again, I accept his point. It is up to individual Departments and Committees to establish whether there are linkages between the two, however. <BR /> <BR />Sinéad McLaughlin spoke about multi-year Budgets and the role of the Fiscal Council. She asked how we will ensure that our Budget is based on need and that it tackles social disadvantage. I welcome the appointment of Professor Gerry Holtham, who led the Holtham commission in Wales, to conduct an independent review of the North's level of need.”
“As the old saying goes, there are always two sides to every argument, and he rightly pointed out the challenges that the Department of Health faces, so I will work with Minister Nesbitt. <BR /> <BR />Paul Frew recognised the previous Finance Minister's commitment and work, as did a number of other Members who spoke, and it is only right and proper that they did so. Caoimhe left an important legacy in the Department. I do not want to incur the wrath of the Speaker, but Mr Frew spoke about the wording of Standing Orders, which is a matter for the Committee on Procedures, but I can see his argument. He questioned whether the Budget was linked to the Programme for Government. I would argue that it is, as the priorities in the PFG are well known.”
“I again emphasise that I will be working with all Ministers to ensure that we get the most out of our Budget and deal with the challenges that we face, and I do recognise the challenges that the Justice Department faces. Alan Chambers, I have to say, dutifully defended his Health Minister, as he does, and he is right to do so. If any of my colleagues behind me want to copy his example, they should.”
“The previous Finance Minister worked with the Agriculture Minister on those matters, and awards have been made recently in relation to the challenges and costs of bovine TB. I will commit to continuing that role. <BR /> <BR />Danny Donnelly referred to ensuring that the Health Department runs effectively and efficiently. I agree, but I apply the caveat that all our Departments need to be run effectively and efficiently in order to ensure that we meet the challenges of our Budget and look for opportunities to improve public services. <BR /> <BR />Jemma Dolan brought some positivity to the debate. She referred to the doubling of the childcare allocation and to earmarked funding for DAERA, so well done, Jemma. It is always nice to hear a bit of positivity. Joanne Bunting referred to the challenges that the Department of Justice faces.”
“The Member raises a valid point, in the sense that the actual financial figure may be different. We will, however, clarify all that with the Committee. Nowhere in the legislation is the figure referred to as being 45%. We gave a rounded figure during the presentations, but as I said, for the sake of fullness and transparency, we should use the exact percentage point that we are asking Members to release. The legislation gives the exact cash amount that we are releasing, so there is no inaccuracy in that. However, if we are quoting figures, particularly in a Budget debate, let us make sure that they are completely transparent. <BR /> <BR />Tom Buchanan raised the issue of the cost of bovine TB. Again, I work with all Ministers on the challenges that their Departments face.”
“I can assure the Member that the financial memorandum and the Bill refer to the actual amount that is being released rather than the percentage amount.”
“Some Departments have asked for slightly more than 45% for specific reasons, and I will ask my officials to communicate with the Finance Committee on that matter. For instance, the Department for Infrastructure has asked for a £103 million spend and a £6 million spend, which brings it over the 45%. TEO has £35 million more over the 45% figure, and the Department of Health has £63 million over the 45% figure. The exact figure is 45·7789%, but the Member raises a valid point. If we are using figures in presentations to Committees or the Assembly, we should give the exact figure. In future, I will endeavour to ensure, in the interests of fullness and openness, that when we are presenting these matters, we present the exact figure for full and complete transparency.”
“<BR /> <BR />Colm Gildernew mentioned the £12 million welfare payment that is covered by the black box provisions. I hope that the Communities Minister will bring forward the necessary legislation to cover that. He also referred to the role of the Fiscal Council and the need for an evidence-based and needs-based approach to the Budget, which I fully agree with. <BR /> <BR />Steve Aiken raised an issue in relation to the accuracy of the documentation that is before us. I assure Dr Aiken that while 45% is an approximate figure, he will note that it is used neither in the legislation nor in the financial memorandum that is attached to it. Today, we are asking to agree the actual figure, which is above 45%. That came about because not all Departments asked for 45%.”
“The Member also, quite rightly, referenced the challenges that are faced by NI Water, DFI Roads, public transport and active travel etc, all of which fall under DFI's remit. It is a crucial area, and I have a lot of knowledge of it. If we do not get our infrastructure right, the rest will not follow behind. It is an area that requires investment and scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />The Chair of the Executive Office Committee, Paula Bradshaw, raised issues within her remit. She referred to the appointment of commissioners and other public appointments. Ms Bradshaw is not with us currently, but much of that is to do with TEO rather than me directly. I have some information to hand, however, which I can forward to Ms Bradshaw in due course.”
“The impact of storm Éowyn, particularly on rural communities, has been recognised. The Member will be aware of the financial commitment that the Executive have already made to various Departments and agencies in that regard. We are assessing the full cost of the storm, and we may have to engage further with the Treasury when we know the full cost.”
“Something can be presented as being a glass half full or a glass half empty. Perhaps, the way in which the pay deal for the health service was presented initially caused undue anxiety to health service workers and the public. However, the Health Minister did deliver the pay deal. That is important. <BR /> <BR />Mr McGuigan also referred to the use of all-island healthcare and how that has assisted people on both sides of the island, ensuring that we are attempting to deliver more effective and efficient healthcare to people at as local a level as possible. <BR /> <BR />I thank Deborah Erskine, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, for her kind words. When I was Infrastructure Minister, I found the engagement with the Infrastructure Committee to be constructive always and, quite rightly, challenging at times.”
“I accept that the period between January and March is tight when it comes to bringing forward this part of the budgetary process and that that presents challenges to Members. However, I am following the legislative process for bringing forward the Supplementary Estimates, the Budget (No. 2) Bill etc — all that process is being followed. The important point is that there is a public consultation to allow people to air their views. <BR /> <BR />Philip McGuigan, as Chair of the Health Committee, quite rightly paid tribute to HSC staff and covered a number of areas of concern in the health service. He also recognised the pay deal that was awarded this year despite the challenges that were faced initially by the Health Minister. That pay deal has now been awarded. It is a useful example of how one can look at a glass sometimes.”
“The stability that we have brought to our Budget and political system is a significant advance in taking on the challenges in our public services. The Budget process itself is not a one-off event. Members will be aware from their Committee work that there is constant engagement between Committees and their respective Departments on the Budget and how Departments manage their individual budgets. They are also aware that several Bills have passed through the Chamber on that. <BR /> <BR />On the draft Budget, which is out for consultation, and the lack of debate in the Chamber, I am following, as my predecessor did, the legislative process for the Budget. I am following Standing Orders.”
“<BR /> <BR />Understandable concerns were raised about the sole authority of the Budget Bill with regard to a number of spends. Several Members raised that issue. We are working our way through that. I encourage colleagues, through their Committees, to raise it with their respective Ministers. Where areas are still in the black box for a period, legislation should be brought forward or Ministers should be engaging with my Department on the financial provisions Bill that we intend to introduce. <BR /> <BR />Mr O'Toole moved on to speak in his position as leader of the Opposition. He referred to the crises in the health service and public services. Clearly, all our public services are facing huge challenges. First, we must recognise those challenges, and, secondly, we must plan a way forward to respond to them.”
“As I pointed out yesterday, I cannot introduce multi-year Budgets in the absence of a multi-year comprehensive spending review from the Treasury and Whitehall. He challenged me to bring forward an initial programme for spend or give indicative budgets to Departments. He accepts that that work is now under way. However, as I also stated yesterday, that is subject to change, depending on how the wind of the economy is blowing or what decisions are made in Whitehall. I have committed to the House that if, as a result of the comprehensive spending review, the Labour Government live up to their commitments to introduce a three-year resource budget and a four-year capital budget, I will follow that up with a Budget to my Executive colleagues that will then, hopefully, progress to the House.”
“I thank the Members, Chairs and Deputy Chairs who contributed to the Second Stage debate on the Budget Bill. It is very useful for me, as Finance Minister, to hear the views of the respective Committees and of Members on the important financial and economic issues that face us as an Administration and, indeed, a society. I noted many of the issues that Members raised, and I will endeavour to respond to as many of them as possible in my closing comments. <BR /> <BR />The debate was opened by the Chair of the Finance Committee, Matthew O'Toole, who welcomed the positive engagement of my officials with his Committee and the work that they were able to carry out. Again, he called for multi-year Budgets. A number of Members referred to them.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I was not just defending my Department; I was defending the Civil Service against what I believed to be an unjustified attack. As the Member has stated, I have been around the Executive table in different modes for a number of years, so I am familiar with how the Civil Service works. When individual civil servants fail, they should be held to account like everyone else. However, pointing the finger of blame solely at the Civil Service for the delays in building projects is wrong.”
“<BR /> <BR />In conclusion, this crucial legislation is required to ensure that all day-to-day public services, which we all rely upon, can continue to be delivered to our citizens for the remainder of this financial year. On that note, I will conclude. I am happy to deal with any points on the Bill or other matters that arise during the debate.”
“I will write today to the Finance Committee and my Executive colleagues to set out the position, as best I know it, on the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions, Barnett consequentials and the pressure that might be placed on Departments, councils and the voluntary and community sector. That was, understandably, discussed at length yesterday, and, as I set out then, I will put in writing to Members the position, as best I know it. I cannot confirm the Treasury's position, but I assure Members that I will inform them once I am aware of it. I thought that it would be useful to forward the information at hand.”
“Mr Gaston was correct: the table set out the spends in millions instead of hundreds of thousands. I have asked for that to be corrected. A letter will be forwarded to the Finance Committee, and a correction of the record will be placed in the Library for Members. I apologise to the House for that error. I have asked my officials to examine how it came about.”
“<BR /> <BR />While the majority of expenditure by all Departments is on the authority of statutory powers provided through legislation passed by the Assembly, some functions may rely on the sole authority of the Budget Act until appropriate legislation is in place. There was some discussion and debate on that matter yesterday evening. Table 6 of the 'Spring Supplementary Estimates 2024-25' document sets out a summary of expenditure resting on the sole authority of the Budget Act. My Department has been proactive in liaising with Departments in order to reduce reliance on sole authority. <BR /> <BR />Before I conclude, I wish to correct the record from yesterday evening, if that is permissible. Mr Gaston raised an issue about a table on page 7 of the spring Supplementary Estimates.”
“The Bill also includes a Vote on Account for 2025-26, as detailed in schedule 2, to allow the Departments and bodies specified to deliver services into the early months of the incoming 2024-25 financial year. It is important to stress that that does not constitute setting a 2025-26 Budget. <BR /> <BR />As Members are aware, on 19 December 2024, the Executive agreed to consult on a draft Budget for 2025-26. The consultation period closes on 13 March 2025, and, once the Executive agree the 2025-26 Budget, it will be brought to the Assembly to consider within the 2025-26 Main Estimates and associated Budget (No. 2) Bill. In addition, the Budget Bill before Members today will authorise Excesses for the 2023-24 year as identified by the Public Accounts Committee for the purposes specified in schedule 3 to the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />Copies of the Budget Bill and the explanatory and financial memorandum (EFM) have been made available to Members, and the spring Supplementary Estimates 2024-25, Vote on Account for 2025-26 and Statement of Excesses 2023-24 were laid in the Assembly on 10 February 2025. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will authorise the revised issue of £26,536,605,000 from the Consolidated Fund and the use of resources totalling £31,041,393,000 by the Departments and other bodies listed in schedule 1 to the Bill in the year ending 31 March 2025. The cash and resources are to be spent and used on the services listed in schedule 1. Those amounts supersede the amounts that were previously authorised by the Budget (No. 2) Act 2024.”
“and I shall endeavour to keep to that direction. The Bill will give effect to the spring Supplementary Estimates for 2024-25 and authorise the cash and use of resources on services to allow Departments and other public bodies to continue to operate for the remainder of the 2024-25 financial year. The Bill will also authorise a 45% Vote on Account for 2025-26 to enable departmental and public bodies to keep delivering public services in the 2025-26 financial year until the Main Estimates for the 2025-26 year and its associated Budget (No. 2) Bill have been prepared and authorised. In addition, the Bill will regularise expenditure on Excesses identified by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and will authorise cash for the use of resources for 2023-24, as described in its published report.”
“The Assembly's Standing Order 32 directs that the Second Stage debate:”
“I am grateful to the Finance Committee for confirming that, in line with Standing Order 42, the Budget Bill can proceed under accelerated passage, and I thank the Committee for its support. It has been necessary to request that Standing Order 42(5) be suspended to allow the Budget Bill to complete all stages in less than 10 days. In addition, suspension of Standing Order 39(2) has been requested to facilitate the prompt passage of the Bill.”
“There is a short window between the January monitoring round position being agreed by the Executive, the Estimates being produced and the Budget Bill's completing the full legislative process. It is vital to secure Royal Assent to the Budget Bill by the end of March 2025 to ensure that Departments and other bodies can continue to access the cash and resources required to deliver services for the remainder of the 2024-25 financial year.”
“As Members will be aware, Departments are operating under the authority of the Budget (No. 2) Act 2024, which authorised the 2024-25 Main Estimates. Following the agreement of January monitoring allocations by the Executive on 16 January 2025, Departments and other bodies prepared their spring Supplementary Estimates based on that Budget position. As I said yesterday, additional headroom was included. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly's agreement of the Executive's final Budget for 2024-25 allows me to bring the Budget Bill to the Assembly to seek legislative authority for the expenditure of the Departments and other bodies for the remainder of the financial year.”
“The Second Stage debate follows the Assembly's approval yesterday of Department and other bodies' final expenditure plans as detailed in the spring Supplementary Estimates 2024-25. The Assembly also approved the Vote on Account for 2025-26, enabling Departments to utilise resources and access the cash necessary to continue the delivery of services until work has been completed on the 2025-26 Main Estimates and the associated Budget (No. 2) Bill. Members also approved the Statement of Excesses 2023-24, which regularised previous expenditure.”
“I beg to introduce the Budget Bill [NIA 11/22-27], which is a Bill to authorise the use for the public service of certain resources for the years ending 31 March 2025 and 2026 (including, for the year ending 31 March 2025, income); to authorise the issue out of the Consolidated Fund of certain sums for the service of those years; to authorise the use of those sums for specified purposes; to authorise the Department of Finance to borrow on the credit of those sums; to authorise the use for the public service of excess resources for the year ending 31 March 2024; to authorise the issue out of the Consolidated Fund of a sum for the service of the year ending 31 March 2024; and to authorise the use of that sum for specified purposes.”
“As MLAs, you will all, through your Committees, continue to challenge your Ministers on the performance and work of their Departments and areas of responsibility. As I said at the start of my contribution, yes, we have challenges — undoubtedly, we have challenges — but we also have opportunities. Let us look for the opportunities as well as the challenges.”
“I assure Members who claim that the Executive are not working to a plan that we are working to a plan — we are working to the draft Programme for Government. While I look forward to seeing the final document published, the draft sets out the principles for how we move forward. After the public consultation, there are always opportunities for change to the Programme for Government, but the draft sets out the broad principles of the Executive's direction of travel. <BR /> <BR />I urge Members to pass the various motions that are before them. Since we have come back into the Assembly and the Executive, we have had two priorities: first, to stabilise politics, and, secondly, to stabilise our budgetary processes. I think that we have been generally successful in both. We need to continue to stabilise our budgetary processes.”
“As with any claim, unless there is evidence to support that claim, we should be hesitant in making it. <BR /> <BR />I assure Mr Carroll that my Department continues to roll out recruitment to fill job vacancies. We are keen to continue to employ people in the Civil Service. There is no freeze on recruitment. However, we have to be strategic in what posts we fill. I am always conscious that the spending review is around the corner. It may bring good news about multi-year budgets, but it may also bring further challenging news for us, as an Executive. <BR /> <BR />I apologise if I have not covered any Member's individual point. I have tried to cover as broad a range of points as possible.”
“I assure the Member that we are dealing in billions, not trillions. <BR /> <BR />Members will note that there has been a delay in the book's being received. I know that some Members like hard copies of papers. However, we have to question whether it is value for money or sustainable to deliver that document in hard copy to all Members. I will work with the Business Office, the Speaker's Office and others to see whether we can deliver it in an alternative format, because, in my opinion, it is unsustainable to continue to deliver that document in hard copy. <BR /> <BR />Mr Carroll raised a number of points about Invest NI and claims of funding Israeli war planes. I have seen no evidence to support that. The Minister for the Economy has reiterated Invest NI's position on that and, indeed, has asked Invest NI to go back and double-check.”
“I assure Members that I will work with fellow Ministers to ensure that you receive timely financial information and that Committees are allowed to do their work to scrutinise the budgetary process. I assume, however, that Members will agree that it is not a one-off event. Scrutinising departmental budgets does not rely on the spring Supplementary Estimates, the Vote on Account or any period of the entire Budget process: it should be an ongoing role of Committees. I have no doubt that that is the case and that you carry out that work in your Committees. <BR /> <BR />I assure Mr Gaston that we are dealing in billions, rather than trillions — unfortunately. I have not had an opportunity to check the relevant passage in the book. I will have it checked. If there is an error, it will be corrected for the public record.”
“<BR /> <BR />There will be individual issues that relate to Members' Department of interest. Whether they are a Chair, a Deputy Chair or a party spokesperson, they have rightly raised their concerns and outlined the opportunities that exist. In fairness, many of their questions relate directly to the relevant Minister or Committee.”
“There is always the potential for that, but I point Members to an allocation of £19 million that the Executive made in the October monitoring round to NI Water. That released 2,500 homes. Although, in itself, £19 million is a significant amount of money, when we talk about NI Water, we often talk in hundreds of millions of pounds or in billions of pounds. That funding shows that, where there is strategic investment, social housing can be released. I have no doubt that the new Minister for Infrastructure will continue to look for opportunities, such as working alongside NI Water. On the other points that you raised, Kellie, I will ask officials to respond to you directly. <BR /> <BR />I am just checking my list to see whether I have not responded to anyone.”
“I agree with the Member, as I do with all Members who raised the issue. We have to continue to try to bring down the figure. There is a responsibility on individual Departments that have spend within the black box to produce corresponding legislation or to work with my Department to ensure that the provisions in the upcoming financial provisions Bill are improved. <BR /> <BR />A number of Members mentioned capital for social housing and the investment in the number of social homes, which, at the start of the year would have been 400. It is now 1,500, which shows that the Executive are working together and directing funding to where it is most needed. <BR /> <BR />Ms Armstrong raised concerns about the building of social homes being held back by a constraint on the NI Water's spend.”
“I will in a second. We have to properly manage the spend and ensure that it is fully accounted for and that Committees have all the information that they require about it. I will give way.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members covered a range of issues. Department of Education minor works are a matter solely for the EA and the Department of Education. The level of spend involved did not require my Department to have to scrutinise any of it. <BR /> <BR />Kellie Armstrong asked a number of questions. I may not have a response to them all, but I can assure the Member that we will respond to her in due course. She mentioned welfare mitigations and the spend on them. Mr Gaston also touched on the issue when he spoke about the black box as it relates to the spring Supplementary Estimates. My Department has been working closely with other Departments to ensure that we regularise that spend. That does not mean that it is illegal, illicit or underhand, however. All the spend in black box areas is going to front-line services.”
“As part of the wider Budget sustainability work, I plan to examine how Departments can make greater use of the available FTC. My officials have already started to look at that, and engagement with the Strategic Investment Board is planned for the coming days. <BR /> <BR />Mr Butler, as Chair of the AERA Committee, said that bovine TB incidence rates here remain high and that an eradication scheme is required in order to tackle the issue. I appreciate that further funding is required, but, as Members will be aware, departmental pressures far outweigh the funding that is available. An additional £4 million was allocated to DAERA in the June monitoring round for tackling bovine TB, and I am open to considering providing additional in-year funding in line with the Executive's other priorities for 2025-26.”
“While there will be no decision-making role for the Executive in relation to the fund in 2025-26, the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government at Whitehall will consult Departments here to ensure that what is delivered in the transition year aligns with departmental priorities. Officials will continue to provide technical advice and guidance in order to maximise that funding's impact here. <BR /> <BR />In every monitoring round and Budget exercise, I encourage my Executive colleagues to consider making more use of FTC, and I reiterate that today. Regular and ongoing engagement also takes place between my officials and officials in other Departments on exploring opportunities for making use of FTC, and those conversations will continue.”
“The Government announced in their autumn Budget that they will extend the SPF for one year across each jurisdiction for 2025-26 at a reduced allocation of £900 million. Our allocation is £45 million. As the Member will know, that falls far short of the average £65 million per annum that we would have received from the EU funds that the Shared Prosperity Fund was intended to replace. The 2025-26 transition year is intended to allow work to commence on a longer-term plan to move the funding back under devolved control from April 2026, as outlined in the Labour manifesto. It will also ensure the continued flow of much-needed funding for the community and voluntary sector.”
“My predecessor wrote to Departments after Westminster made allocations available as a result of its Supplementary Estimates. Departments were asked to return bids as quickly as possible. A number of Departments did that and were successful, as has been outlined in a written ministerial statement to the House, in further discussions at Question Time and in the media. It was a very useful exercise, and I welcome the fact that the Departments were able to respond to that in quite a speedy fashion to allow that money to go straight out to public services as quickly as possible. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to some of the other questions that Members raised. Mr Brett raised the Shared Prosperity Fund.”