Overview

This bill authorizes the spending of public funds in Northern Ireland for the financial years ending 31 March 2018 and 2019. It also sets limits on the use of certain existing resources and allows the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland to borrow money.

Description

The Northern Ireland Budget (Anticipation and Adjustments) Bill authorises the release of specific sums from the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund for the years ending 31 March 2018 (£16,114,708,000) and 31 March 2019 (£7,343,531,000). These sums are allocated to various government departments and public bodies (detailed in Schedules 1 and 3). The bill also permits the Department of Finance to borrow up to £3,671,765,000 against the 2019 allocation. It revises spending limits for existing resources for the year ending 31 March 2018 (detailed in Schedule 2), and sets new spending limits for the year ending 31 March 2019 (detailed in Schedule 4). The bill ensures these actions have the same legal standing as if passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Government Spending

The bill authorises a total of £16,114,708,000 for the year ending 31 March 2018 and £7,343,531,000 for the year ending 31 March 2019. Additionally, it allows for borrowing of up to £3,671,765,000 for the year ending 31 March 2019. Specific allocations are detailed within the schedules, showing both increases and decreases from previous budget allocations.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Government Departments: Significant impact through funding allocations for their operations and programs.
• 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 Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland – all impacted through funding and resource limits.
• Citizens of Northern Ireland: Indirectly affected through the provision of public services funded by the bill.
• Businesses: Potentially impacted through funding for economic development programs and regulations.

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