NI Conservatives’ finance spokesman, Harry Cullen, has welcomed the government’s 2013 Budget as “a tonic for hard working families who want to get on” and said it could “help grow” the Northern Ireland economy, if the executive exploits its potential. He also praised George Osborne for showing sensitivity to Northern Ireland's economic circumstances and protecting the block grant, while cuts took place elsewhere in government.
“The Chancellor has offered help to everyone who wants to get on, buy their own home, start a business or save for their retirement”, Harry explained. “George Osborne’s decision to raise the personal allowance to £10,000 will make 618,000 people in Northern Ireland better off and lift an extra 7,000 people out of tax altogether.”
“There will be extra childcare support for 80,000 families here, which will be a massive help to people who want to work hard at their job, but find a high percentage of their income goes on providing care for children while they’re out at work.”
“Significantly this is a business friendly budget. It cuts Corporation Tax to 20%, which is the lowest in the G20, and it slashes the national insurance contribution made by employers, which has prevented companies from creating more jobs. The government’s huge commitment to build infrastructure will also put an extra £94 million in the hands of the executive, to spend on capital projects.”
“Once again, a chancellor who understands what business needs to create jobs has put the tools to do just that in the hands of ministers in Northern Ireland. So far they have failed miserably to do their bit. Unemployment here has risen to its highest level for 15 years, at the same time as record numbers of jobs are being created in the rest of the UK.”
“Our executive must finally start to rise to the challenge and match the help the government has provided in this budget with effective, business friendly policies at a devolved level, which can create jobs and growth.”