Overview

This bill, the Northern Ireland Budget Bill 2017, authorizes the spending of public funds in Northern Ireland for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. It sets spending limits and borrowing powers, and also repeals previous, now outdated, budget legislation.

Description

The bill authorises the issue of £16,116,048,000 from the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund for the year ending 31 March 2018. This sum is allocated to various government departments and bodies as detailed in Schedule 1. The Department of Finance is also authorized to borrow up to £8,058,024,000 on the credit of these appropriated sums, repayable by March 31, 2018. The bill further authorizes the use of £18,007,637,000 in resources (excluding accruing resources) and sets limits on the use of accruing resources, as specified in Schedule 2. Crucially, the bill ensures this budget operates as if it were passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly, despite the Assembly not being in session, thus ensuring continued government operations. Finally, it repeals the Budget Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 and Budget (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Government Spending

The bill authorises a total expenditure of £16,116,048,000 from the Consolidated Fund and allows for borrowing of up to an additional £8,058,024,000. Further, the bill permits the use of resources totaling £18,007,637,000, with limits set for accruing resources in Schedule 2.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Government Departments: Affected by allocated funding and spending limits.
• Public Bodies: Including the Food Standards Agency, Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, Northern Ireland Audit Office, Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland; all impacted by funding allocations and operational authorisations.
• Citizens of Northern Ireland: Affected indirectly through the provision of public services funded by the budget.
• Businesses in Northern Ireland: May be affected by the allocation of funds for economic development and regulation.

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