DUP: Budget is a false dawn for Northern Ireland

East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson said the Budget represents “a false dawn” for Northern Ireland.
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He slammed the failure to scrap Air Passenger Duty and said a carbon tax for gas will increase energy bills, especially on the poorest households. The additional £210m, whilst welcome, will “not come close” to addressing the challenges facing NI, he said.

There will also be a fear that business rate waivers in England will not be extended to Northern Ireland, but he welcomed the decision to cover 14 days of statutory sick pay in light of coronavirus fears.

UUP leader Steve Aiken welcomed the cut in interest rates but also lamented the failure to abolish Air Passenger Duty for NI. The Executive must now decide whether coronavirus mitigation measures will be “passed on in full” to the NHS, small businesses and the hospitality sector, he said, adding that there is a real opportunity for NI to urgently improve its infrastructure.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said the budget is “a clear indication” that the government is preparing for a severe economic shock as a result of coronavirus. Severing our “largest trading relationship” at this time would represent “an act of grievous political self-harm” he added, calling on the government to request an emergency extension to the Brexit transition period.

Alliance MP Stephen Farry said the Budget “is not grounded in reality and had little to address the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland”. It was right the government helps manage the impact of coronavirus, he said, but the “looming economic shock masks the even deeper financial and other consequences flowing from Brexit”.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the most crucial outcome for farmers was the chancellor’s decision to retain the relief on red diesel.

Federation of Small Business policy chair Tina McKenzie welcomed steps in the budget to ‘boost confidence’.

“Covering the cost of statutory sick pay, as well as emergency measures for the self-employed, are particularly welcome,” she said.

“Removing the minimum income floor for those on Universal Credit will bring help to those working hard to keep their businesses going.”

Ann McGregor, CEO of NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also welcomed access to loan schemes and deferral of tax payments. Commitments to rates relief for small business are also welcomed but must now be extended to NI, she said.

NI Hotels Federation CEO Janice Gault welcomed access to emergency funds and additional support for the NHS, with a particular welcome for rates relief for hotels. However, she too was not clear if this would be extended to NI. Patricia Callan, director of Drinks Ireland, said the freeze in excise duty will provide some relief for NI beer, cider, and spirits producers and wine importers.

Federation of Small Business policy chair Tina McKenzie welcomed steps in the budget to ‘boost confidence’.

“Covering the cost of statutory sick pay, as well as emergency measures for the self-employed, are particularly welcome,” she said.

“Removing the minimum income floor for those on Universal Credit will bring help to those working hard to keep their businesses going.”

Ann McGregor, CEO of NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also welcomed access to loan schemes and deferral of tax payments. Commitments to rates relief for small business are also welcomed but must now be extended to NI, she said.

NI Hotels Federation CEO Janice Gault welcomed access to emergency funds and additional support for the NHS, with a particular welcome for rates relief for hotels. However, she too was not clear if this would be extended to NI.

Patricia Callan, director of Drinks Ireland, said the freeze in excise duty will provide some relief for NI beer, cider, and spirits producers and wine importers.