Budget Consultation

Overview

Overview

It is a statutory obligation for the Finance Minister to bring a Budget to the Assembly in advance of the new financial year commencing on 1 April 2021.

The delay in the announcement of the UK Spending Review outcome has meant a subsequent delay to the Executive’s Budget process as the Spending Review outcome sets the Budget envelope for the Executive.

The delay means the consultation period will have to conclude on 25 February in order to have a 2021-22 budget in place for the commencement of the new financial year. 

As set out in the draft Budget document, given the constrained financial position and the growing demand, public services are facing significant challenges going forward. The Executive would welcome your views on the draft Budget. However, as the period for consultation is limited, it would be helpful if consultation responses were focused on the following questions:

• What service would you prioritise?
• Are there services we should stop or reduce?
• Are there ways of raising revenue?
• How can we reduce demand for services?
• How do we balance public sector pay against other priorities?
• Have you any other views for discussion?

Comments on the draft Budget 2021-22 can be submitted online using the complete survey link below or by email to: budgetconsultation@finance-ni.gov.uk