Whilst recognising the difficult position that the NI Executive are in, we do welcome that the Department has undertaken an EQIA on its draft Budget and the opportunity to respond, however, continue to have serious concerns in relation to the impact that this will have on children and young people in NI. NICCY also notes the 2024 NI Audit Office Report into Budgeting and Accountability, and the associated recommendations, particularly in relation to multi-year budgets, collaboration, and expenditure relating to measurable outcomes within a Program for Government.
Furthermore, there is no consideration of the cumulative impact of changes to the Department’s budgetary position in relation to the section 75 categories that have been identified for potential adverse impact, nor has any impact been assess alongside any other Department’s financial position. This is particularly important when considering the impact of budget and financial allocations on poverty experienced by children and young people.
The full response can be downloaded at the right-hand side of this page.