Overview

This bill, the Northern Ireland Budget Bill 2017, sets the budget for Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2018. It authorises the spending of public funds, borrowing, and the use of resources by various Northern Ireland departments and bodies.

Description

The bill authorises the issue of £16,116,048,000 from the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland for the 2017-2018 financial year. This sum is appropriated for specific purposes detailed in Schedule 1, covering various departments including Agriculture, Communities, Economy, Education, Finance, Health, Infrastructure, and Justice, as well as other bodies like the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission and the Food Standards Agency. Schedule 1 provides a detailed breakdown of the funds allocated to each department and purpose. The Department of Finance is also authorised to borrow up to £8,058,024,000. Additionally, the bill authorises the use of resources (excluding accruing resources) totaling £18,007,637,000, and sets limits on the use of accruing resources as detailed in Schedule 2. The bill also ensures that these authorisations have the same legal effect as if they were passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly, and repeals two previous, spent budget acts.

Government Spending

The bill authorises a total government expenditure of £16,116,048,000 for Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2018. This includes both direct appropriations from the Consolidated Fund and authorised use of existing resources. The Department of Finance is further authorised to borrow up to £8,058,024,000.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Departments: The bill directly impacts all Northern Ireland government departments, allocating funding for their operations and programs.
• Public Bodies: Various public bodies, including the Food Standards Agency, Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, and others, will be affected by the allocation of funds and usage authorisations outlined in the bill.
• Citizens of Northern Ireland: The bill's impact will be felt across Northern Ireland through the services and programs funded by the allocated resources (e.g., healthcare, education, infrastructure).
• Businesses: Funding for economic development initiatives will impact businesses and the economy in Northern Ireland.

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