NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Harry Cullen, has welcomed the Executive’s decision to use some of the funds it has failed to spend to boost the economy, but questioned whether the measures were targeted properly or went far enough.
“There are some parts of this package which are welcome, if the Executive delivers on what it has promised”, Harry said. “Extra investment in skills and training is certainly needed, while the Invest NI ‘Skills Growth’ Scheme and frozen parking charges may help some small businesses. Extending small business rates relief is also welcome, although it should be emphasised that the finance minister continues to hammer bigger retailers, at a time when more and more large shops in Northern Ireland are closing down."
“The broader picture is that this is money which the Executive already had at its disposal, but failed to use to boost the economy. Many of these measures may provide some short term relief, but they are not focussed on creating sustainable private sector jobs.”
“Where is the strategy to get Northern Ireland’s companies exporting, to build a culture of enterprise and to rebalance the economy? Where is the detail on producing a planning system that is fit for purpose into the future? Providing a few people with employment for six months is no substitute for addressing the long-term problems in the economy, or focusing government consistently on business and jobs.”