Budget signals Executive’s commitment to 'doing what matters most' – O’Dowd

The Executive today agreed the 2025/26 Budget which will see increased investment in cutting waiting lists, in Special Educational Needs, skills for growing the economy, Lough Neagh and Safer Communities.

Announcing the 2025/26 Budget Minister O’Dowd said: “The Budget reflects our Programme for Government commitment to ‘Doing What Matters Most’ and shows this Executive’s determination to work together to deliver.

“This Budget will mean £215 million going towards cutting health waiting lists and supporting investment in elective care.

“It doubles our investment in the Early Years and Childcare Strategy to £50 million – supporting our children and helping hard-working families.

“It provides £15 million in additional funding for Special Educational Needs.

“It delivers £15 million to build the skills needed both now and, in the future, to grow our economy.

“It provides an additional £5 million to make our communities safer and £2m towards ending violence against women and girls.

“It recognises the importance of Lough Neagh and our desire to protect it through a £5 million investment.

“It also provides £21.3 million for transformation projects in health, justice, infrastructure and Special Educational Needs.”

Outlining investment in capital spending, Minister O’Dowd added: “In line with our commitment to create more housing we are investing an additional £105.7 million in waste water infrastructure and an additional £100 million for social housing.”

Concluding Minister O’Dowd said: “Today shows this Executive is prepared to do things differently and prioritise the limited funding we have available to make real change for the better in people’s daily lives.

“There is no doubt that the financial outlook still remains incredibly challenging particularly given the Westminster Government’s continued policy of austerity.

“I will continue to make the case for better funding and to work together with my Executive colleagues to support our workers, families and communities.”