Debate contribution: Autumn Statement 2024: Impact

Debate contribution by Miss Jemma Dolan on 8 April 2025.

MLA

Miss Jemma Dolan

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

8 April 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Committee Business

Heading

Autumn Statement 2024: Impact

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4919818

Read the official Assembly record

Text

It is disappointing that, since last year's Westminster election, the Labour Government have embarked on the same failed economic policies of their Tory predecessors. Small and medium-sized businesses are a significant driver for our local economy and have already had to survive numerous challenges in recent years, including Brexit, COVID-19 and high levels of inflation. Instead of implementing measures to support those businesses and the community and voluntary sector, however, the British Chancellor has chosen to place the burden for problems with their finances on those who play a crucial role in providing jobs and is punishing those organisations and groups that work tirelessly in our communities by increasing employers' National Insurance contributions. Our public services also face additional financial pressure following the decision by the British Treasury not to cover the full costs of the rise for the public sector here, despite the extensive efforts and strong lobbying by the previous and current Finance Minister for it to do so. We still now face a £60 million shortfall. One positive aspect of last autumn's Budget statement was the move to increase the national minimum wage, which will help almost 170,000 of the lowest-paid workers here, reduce inequalities and support overall spending in the economy. It is concerning, however, that the British Government have not matched that positive move by prioritising investment in public services and initiatives to support wider economic development. We have witnessed their priorities again in recent weeks, with the spring statement announcing increased spending for militarisation rather than funding for local businesses, communities and public services. At a local level, I recognise that efforts have been made to reduce the financial pressures faced by businesses, with a continuation of the small business rate relief scheme, which benefits over 30,000 businesses, and the Back in Business scheme, which encourages the opening of retail businesses on our high streets in premises that have been lying vacant. Work is also ongoing by the Department of Finance on a review of rate support. The community and voluntary sector is having to cope with those additional pressures, which follow on from the loss of the European social fund as a result of Brexit. Community organisations had to endure another broken promise from the British Government when the money that they provided for their successor scheme to EU funding did not replace all funding in full and was, in fact, providing millions of pounds less. Without being matched with adequate funding, the latest costs, following decisions by the British Chancellor, have led to further uncertainty for many community organisations, placing in jeopardy jobs and programmes that have been vital in supporting people to achieve new skills and gain employment. Given the limited financial capacity on resources that we have as a devolved Assembly, I recognise that it is extremely challenging for Executive Ministers to mitigate for taxation and spending decisions made by the British Government. However, it is our duty to continue to stand up for all our citizens and present a united front to oppose actions that detrimentally impact on people here.

511 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:21 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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