Overview

This bill extends the period the UK government can manage Northern Ireland's affairs without a functioning local executive. It also grants the Secretary of State powers to seek advice on raising public revenue and improving Northern Ireland's finances, and mandates the submission of certain Northern Ireland Assembly accounts to the UK Parliament when the Assembly is not operational.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• Extension of Ministerial Absence Period: It extends the timeframe the UK government can exercise Northern Ireland departmental functions without a locally elected executive, starting from December 6th, 2022, until a new executive is formed.
• Power to Commission Advice: It empowers the Secretary of State to seek advice and information on boosting public revenue and improving the financial sustainability of Northern Ireland, directing Northern Ireland departments to provide this information and conduct consultations.
• Assembly Accountability During Inactivity: It requires that certain accounts and related documents, usually submitted to the Northern Ireland Assembly, be presented to the UK House of Commons when the Assembly is not functioning. This applies to periods when the Assembly's Presiding Officer and deputies are not in place.
• Data Protection Considerations: The bill includes provisions to ensure compliance with data protection legislation when obtaining information from Northern Ireland departments.
• Exception to Assembly Witness Powers: The bill modifies the Assembly's power to summon witnesses and documents, clarifying that this power does not apply to investigations related to the Secretary of State's directives for information and advice.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify new government spending figures. However, the cost of running Northern Ireland's departments under the Secretary of State's control will continue or potentially increase during the period of executive absence.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Departments: They will be directed to provide information and advice to the Secretary of State, potentially requiring additional resources and staff time.
• Northern Ireland Assembly: Its powers are temporarily curtailed, with financial reporting responsibilities shifted to the UK government during periods of inactivity.
• UK Government: Increased responsibility for managing Northern Ireland affairs and potential additional costs for oversight and administration.
• Citizens of Northern Ireland: May experience some delays in decision-making and policy implementation due to the absence of a local executive. This could have varying impacts depending on the specific policy areas affected.

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