Public services relegated in Spring Statement – O’Dowd
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has commented on the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, saying public services have been put to the bottom of the pile.
Speaking following the Spring Statement, Minister O’Dowd said: “While our public services are crying out for investment, the new Westminster Government is continuing the austerity agenda of the previous government.
“The Chancellor has chosen to wield cuts on benefits, harming those most in need. We want a welfare system that is fair and supports citizens - these latest punitive measures are not the answer.”
Highlighting the pressure that National Insurance increases will have the Finance Minister added: “Instead of prioritising investment in public services, the Westminster Government has decided to invest £2.2bn in a renewed arms race, when what we actually need is more doctors, nurses, teachers and homes for families and workers to live in. We need investment in people and communities, not more arms and austerity.
“While the Westminster Government today announced £14m of new funding, this will not meet the many significant pressures on our budgets.
“From next week local businesses will face increased bills following the hike in National Insurance contributions previously imposed by Westminster however, they will be left disappointed again by the lack of investment by the Chancellor.
“The public sector will also incur additional costs for increased National Insurance contributions. The funding that will be provided for this will fall far short of what is needed.”
Minister O’Dowd concluded: “I spoke to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury earlier today and made it clear we need to see investment in frontline services which supports families, workers and communities.
“It is our duty as politicians to provide hope, opportunity and leadership.
“I will continue to work together with my Ministerial colleagues to meet the challenges ahead.”
Notes to editors:
- The £14m new funding for 2025/26 is comprised of £12.49m Resource DEL and £1.61m Capital DEL funding.
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