An extra £432 million (€503 million) has been raised for public services in Northern Ireland, the finance minister said today.
Health, education, employment and learning and regional development will all benefit, Sammy Wilson added.
An increase in the amount of property rates brought in, use of an “invest to save” fund and an overcommitment by the government over the four-year budget anticipates extra revenue generating opportunities taken up in future by departments.
Mr Wilson also announced plans to impose a levy on large out-of-town shopping developments to subsidise extra rates relief for small businesses.
“This is a budget that supports the community, grows the economy and reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Northern Ireland,” he said.
Mr Wilson also announced plans to impose a levy on large out-of-town shopping developments to subsidise extra rates relief for small businesses.
“This is a budget that supports the community, grows the economy and reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Northern Ireland,” he said.
Around £3 million a year is intended to help support a childcare strategy that will reduce barriers to employment for parents.
In making his announcements, Mr Wilson attacked his political opponents. “While producing the budget was necessarily free of any selfish partypolitical interests it is clear that some of the opposition to the budget has been for cynical political purposes. Some ministers simply could not take yes for an answer,” he said.
“What the Executive has delivered today is proof of the growing maturity there is within our political system in that we can produce a fair, balanced budget for a four-year period even in the face of imminent elections.”
Ulster Unionist and SDLP ministers voted against the document. The UUP had been threatening to walk out of government and wants to see an end to mandatory coalition. The SDLP accuses Sinn Féin and the DUP of not consulting them.
Assembly elections are due in May.
PA