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In the final budget announcement, Finance Minister, Peter Robinson, MP MLA has announced extra funds for health, arts, victims, youth and a range of other areas.
An extra £50 million is to be distributed among the Departments over the three year Budget period. In addition, for the first time innovation projects designed to boost the economy, are to be supported to the tune of £90 million.
Funding for additional areas announced in the Programme for Government Budget are as follow:
Health
The chief beneficiary from overall funding remains the Health Service which now receives an extra £10 million in each of the three years of the Budget period. This brings support for Health to its all-time highest level at almost £4.3 billion.
Children and Young People
Additional money has also been channelled to services for children, young people and youth. Following representations made during the consultation process a total of £13 million has been allocated.
Arts
Funding for the Arts – a subject that aroused the passions of many consultees – has increased by a total of £4 million over the next two years.
Victims
Meanwhile the level of funding for Victims in Northern Ireland has risen by a total of £6 million over the three year term.
Social Housing
One of the biggest concerns expressed during the consultation was in regard to the provision of social and affordable housing. Mr Robinson said that addressing this matter remains a priority for the Executive announcing that a total of £205 million is being provided to take this forward.
Fire Service
Mr Robinson said that concerns had also been expressed during the consultation about financial support for updating and improving fire stations and Fire Service equipment. In response the Executive has allocated an additional £14 million over the three year period.
Roads
A further £40 million has been earmarked for a series of Department for Regional Development roads schemes, including the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson route and other thoroughfares in the west of the province.
Innovation Fund
The Minister said that the total Innovation Fund will amount to £90 million overall, including an additional projected investment of €60 million from the Irish Government to support collaborative innovation-supporting projects.
At this stage only budget announcements have been made. It is not yet known when further details on how money will be allocated will be available.
For more information:
http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/budget-press-release
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