Opinion

Disappointing budget for Northern Ireland's under pressure public services

The first budget of Boris Johnson's government since the December election should have been something of a political event but, as with just about everything else these days, it has been largely overshadowed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Whatever plans recently appointed Chancellor Rishi Sunak might have had for stimulating the economy and dealing with a range of issues including the exit from the European Union, they were sidelined as the virus crisis deepened.

Against this sombre backdrop, the budget took on the air of an emergency statement with a clear focus on the financial impact of what the World Health Organisation yesterday declared a global pandemic.

The chancellor announced a £30 billion package which includes practical steps on helping the self employed and other workers affected by this developing situation.

We are also assured that additional money will be pumped into the health service to deal with the expected surge in Covid-19 cases.

A further move which will benefit small businesses in England, where rates will be suspended for a year, is certainly a welcome boost for firms that will face particular hardship during these testing times.

However, because this is a devolved matter, there is concern that the relief will not be extended to Northern Ireland where there is a high proportion of small businesses.

Finance minister Conor Murphy said the detail of the proposal would need to be studied before deciding how the executive can best support small businesses.

It is fair to say there is considerable disappointment at the outcome of this budget in respect of the north.

The chancellor announced an increase of £215 million but as we know, there is extreme pressure on public services here with an estimated £600 million needed to tackle a range of serious issues.

Mr Murphy pointed out he has been engaging with the Treasury and making the case for the funding committed under the New Decade, New Approach document.

According the the Sinn Féin minister, the amount allocated yesterday 'fails to deliver the funding needed to provide first class public services.'

The figure in the budget will not come close to dealing with the urgent demands facing the executive.

It is a frustrating and disheartening position to be in as we face the far-reaching consequences of coronavirus.