SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has challenged the UK government to make the economy fairer, ahead of the UK budget, while also pressing the NI Executive to seek new fiscal powers rather than simply passively blaming London.
The SDLP is calling for taxes on unearned and accumulated wealth to increase revenue, an increase in the tax-free childcare allowance, removal of the two child limit and enhanced fiscal powers for the Northern Ireland Executive.
On Tuesday, the SDLP is using its Opposition Day to call on the Executive to implement a multi-year Budget with credible options for enhanced fiscal powers and rebuilding public services.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“Families and small business across this region and Britain are worried about what lies ahead in this week’s Budget. People are finding it really tough, everywhere you look public services are deteriorating, the costs of everyday goods and of doing business are rising - people are being squeezed in all directions.
“The budget is a genuinely significant moment. We appreciate that the decisions aren’t easy but the UK government can reform the tax system in ways that will improve lives and prioritise growth. For too long, the tax system has prioritised the accumulation and extraction of wealth, resulting in growing inequality not just between individuals, but between entire regions.
“The SDLP has put forward a number of deliverable and realistic proposals that would make a difference - interventions that people will feel in their pockets and in their communities.
“The Northern Ireland Executive cannot continue to absolve themselves of any responsibility when it comes to the state of our public finances. All too often Executive Ministers are quick to blame the UK Government for their every woe, to distract from their own leadership failures.
“The SDLP wants to see the Executive manage more transparently and be given more powers to plan on a multi-year basis. That will be the focus of our Opposition Day on Tuesday as we seek to force Ministers to acknowledge the power in their own hands and use it to address the many challenges facing Northern Ireland.”