• Steps taken by SoS unfortunate but necessary
• No Ministerial oversight for the Budget

Ulster Unionist MP Danny Kinahan, has said politicians not civil servants should be making decisions on the public finances.

Mr Kinahan was commenting after the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire MP introduced an indicative Budget and also brought forward  legislation to strike a regional rate.

 Danny Kinahan MP said:

“While the steps taken by the Secretary of State are welcome and have brought some certainty, it is somewhat embarrassing that something so clearly a devolved issue as the striking of a regional rate, is being legislated at Westminster.

 “The Secretary of State also brought forward an indicative Budget position and a set of departmental allocations, which he made clear was drawn up by the Northern Ireland Civil Service. While it is not the fault of the Civil Service that they have been left in such a position, it is the role of responsible Ministers to make decisions on the public finances.

“While no Ministers are in position, vital strategic decisions are not being taken regarding our health service, our education system and our economy.

“As the Under Secretary of State, Kris Hopkins MP made clear in his response the devolution of Corporation Tax would only be possible when the Northern Ireland Assembly demonstrates fiscal competence, which has not been the case to date. It now appears that this opportunity has been lost.

“The Budget as presented today has no statutory footing and it is simply not sustainable for this situation to continue without any ministerial oversight.

“Last month 90 MLAs were elected to take local decisions, the steps taken today by the Secretary of State must be an exception.”

ENDS