UUP Finance Spokesperson Steve Aiken said that though there were signs of optimism in the Budget, the Stormont stalemate had left public finances locally in a ‘state of flux’. There will be a temptation to use the Barnett Consequentials to balance the books but this comes at the expense of investments in policy change.” "This comes in the context of a local financial crisis and the pressing need for a local budget to be set for 2023/24. There are only some limited Barnett Consequentials for Northern Ireland. "However overall, there is little investment in skills, the key economic driver, and tackling climate change, in particular via a Green New Deal. The changes to pensions allowances are positive in that they should expand the healthcare workforce, and limit the counterproductive early retirement of doctors,” said the North Down MP. "The investment in childcare is positive, but it should be for the local institutions to shape policy in line with local needs. ![]() Alliance Party Deputy Leader Stephen Farry said it contained ‘little additional benefits’ for Northern Ireland. ![]() The content of the Spring Budget statement has been met with guarded political reaction locally. The Chancellor said additions worth around £130m have been allocated for Northern Ireland.
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