Tom Elliott MP has responded to the Chancellor’s 2016 Budget. The Budget brought a number of announcements involving Northern Ireland, including £4million in funding for a Northern Ireland air ambulance.
Tom Elliott MP said:
“There are a number of aspects of the Budget that have UK wide implications and that will result in more money through the Barnett formula for Northern Ireland.
“The cost of transportation is a huge burden on the budgets of our businesses and also on families. I am glad this has received recognition in today’s Budget with the continued freeze on fuel duty.
“There will be great public support for the announcement of £4million funding for an air ambulance for Northern Ireland. It is unbelievable that we are the only region of the United Kingdom not to have an air ambulance. This is something that can save lives and enhance our trauma service.
“I have been asking Written Questions on Libor fines being spent on air ambulance services so I am pleased to see that this is where the funding has been drawn from. I have lobbied for an air ambulance in Northern Ireland for many years and I am pleased to see this level of progress.”