NI Executive finances: Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and NI Fiscal Council to face questions from MPs
MPs will question Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and members of the NI Fiscal Council on the finances of the NI Executive.
With a budget still not having been agreed three months into the new financial year, the session will examine the ongoing impact of the situation on public services and the UK Government’s role in trying to find a resolution.
The first part of the hearing will feature Chair Sir Robert Chote and other representatives from the NI Fiscal Council, the independent body set up to assess and scrutinise the finances of the NI Executive.
Meeting details
There are likely to be questions on the implications of departments relying on limited contingency funding and the financial support being provided by the Treasury to cover NI Executive overspends.
The panel could also be asked about their assessment of the Finance Minister’s draft budget, the benefits of moving to a multi-year budget and whether NI is receiving sufficient funding compared with Scotland and Wales.
The Secretary of State will then likely face questions on the discussions he is having with NI Executive Ministers, the possibility of the UK government stepping in to set a budget and the latest on agreeing a final Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland.