Northern Ireland Conservatives’ spokesperson, Harry Cullen, has welcomed the Budget as “great news for Northern Ireland”. He emphasised that the Chancellor’s plans represent “a budget for working people and a budget to create jobs”.
“The increase in the personal allowance alone will make 605,000 people in Northern Ireland better off”, Harry remarked. “This raise of £1,100 is a marvellous achievement by the government, which has now lifted 59,000 local people out of income tax altogether since it came to power.”
“Local companies will benefit hugely from plans to simplify the tax regime and our growing film industry will receive a boost from new tax reliefs.”
“George Osborne announced other good news for Northern Ireland this afternoon too. The changes to child benefit will address the concerns of middle-income families, 16,000 of whom will be better off under the new arrangements locally.”
“Business and residents will enjoy huge advantages as Belfast gets an injection of almost £14 million, to provide super fast broadband and high speed wireless connections. Further money will be forthcoming UK-wide, to provide a second wave of improvements which will benefit other areas.”
“In addition the Chancellor also confirmed that the power to set long-haul Air Passenger Duty will be devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The measure is a perfect example of this government’s willingness to take Northern Ireland’s special circumstances into account, in order to benefit business and tourism.”
“The government has produced a business friendly budget for working people and businesses, which provides a perfect platform to deliver investment and create jobs. It’s now up to the Executive to show that it is equally committed to boosting enterprise and to get on with growing the economy in Northern Ireland.”