Finance Minister, Conor Murphy met the Chief Secretary today in London ahead of the upcoming Spending Review which will set the Executive’s budget envelope for the next three years.
Minister Murphy was joined by his fellow Finance Ministers from Scotland and Wales for the first in person meeting since the new Chief Secretary was appointed in September. With just under two weeks until the Spending Review, the expected outcome for devolved budgets was high on the agenda.
Speaking following the meeting, Minister Murphy: “Today’s meeting with the Chief Secretary provided a timely opportunity to express the need for a good outcome to the Spending Review. Covid has had a profound impact right across society, no more so than on our health service which is under immense pressure with unprecedented waiting lists. Now is the time for significant investment to rebuild public services, spur economic recovery, and make the transition to net zero.
“The introduction of a multi-year budget is to be welcomed, however the benefits it can bring in terms of enabling better planning of resources will only be fully realised with sustainable financing for Devolved Administrations.”
During his visit to London, Minister Murphy also met with Lord Agnew, Minister of State (Minister for Efficiency and Transformation), to discuss the Procurement Bill.
Minister Murphy concluded: “Simplifying the procurement process and making it easier for small firms to bid for government work is a key priority for me when it comes to public procurement. It was useful to discuss our common interest in reforming public procurement to put social value at the heart of government contracting .”
Notes to editors:
- Picture caption (L-R) – Scottish Finance Minister Kate Forbes, Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans, Chief Secretary Simon Clarke and Finance Minister Conor Murphy.
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