New Northern Ireland Secretary Urges Focus on Self-Generated Revenue and Effective Budget Use in First Visit
Northern Ireland’s new Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has indicated that the Stormont Executive may need to find new ways to generate its own income to alleviate significant budget pressures. During his initial visit to Northern Ireland in his new role, Mr Benn highlighted Stormont’s historically limited approach to revenue generation and stressed the need for public sector reforms to optimise current spending.
Speaking after his meetings with political leaders at Hillsborough Castle, Mr Benn observed that public funding in Northern Ireland stands higher than in England, with approximately £124 allocated per person for every £100 spent in England. He urged the Executive to ensure that this allocation is being used as efficiently as possible, describing it as a priority for improving public services.
On Sunday, Mr Benn visited St George’s Market in Belfast, engaging with local traders and residents. He noted that Northern Ireland has some of the UK’s longest waiting lists for public services despite higher per capita funding. “The Executive bears the responsibility for reforming public services,” he said, underlining his department’s willingness to provide support and expertise in making these necessary improvements.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, raised the issue of “fair funding” for essential public services in her discussion with Mr Benn, calling for an end to the cuts imposed under Conservative governance. Mr Benn acknowledged the urgent need for changes, saying, “All institutions must examine both income and expenditures to make the best use of available funds.”
In reflecting on his recent appointment, Mr Benn called it a “great privilege” and expressed a strong desire to rebuild collaborative relationships with Northern Ireland’s political parties. He described himself as a longstanding advocate for restoring the devolved government, asserting that an operational Executive is crucial to serve the interests of Northern Ireland’s people.
