SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said any support announced by the Chancellor for NI households struggling with rising costs is welcome, but warned that Northern Ireland will remain trapped in a cycle of crisis management unless the Executive starts governing effectively and agrees a Budget.

Ms Hanna has said families and businesses need certainty and a clear plan for the future, rather than continued political firefighting and annual rows over public finances.

Claire Hanna MP said:

“People across Northern Ireland are struggling with spiralling energy costs and household bills, so additional support that reaches families here will matter. The SDLP called on the UK Chancellor to recognise those pressures and particularly the circumstances facing households reliant on home heating oil and people in rural communities.

“But the test we set for this Budget was bigger than another short-term intervention. Northern Ireland needs to get out of the cycle of financial crises, emergency negotiations and sticking-plaster solutions.

“There is no escaping the unacceptable reality that, while the UK Chancellor is setting out decisions that will affect household finances and public services here, the Northern Ireland Executive still cannot agree a Budget of its own.

“Families, businesses and public services need certainty, and a plan for the future. Instead they have an Executive that has spent months divided over the most basic responsibility of government - agreeing how public money should be spent.

“Northern Ireland has enormous economic potential, with unique access to UK and EU markets, strengths in advanced manufacturing and technology, huge renewable energy potential and clear opportunities for greater all-island economic cooperation.

“That potential will not be realised through continued political dysfunction or annual financial firefighting. We need an Executive that can make the difficult choices, invest strategically and give people and businesses confidence about the future.

“The Chancellor has a responsibility to ensure Northern Ireland receives a fair settlement and that our particular circumstances are recognised. But ultimately, the responsibility for governing Northern Ireland cannot continually be passed back to Westminster.

“People here deserve an Executive that is capable of agreeing a Budget, investing in the future, and building an economy that works for all.”