According to the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), it is essential to have transparency on what was agreed between the Northern Ireland Executive and the government on revenue raising. This statement follows First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s comments about not having “signed up” to revenue raising as a condition of a £3.3 billion deal to restore devolution. The package from Westminster was conditional on Stormont raising more income through taxes or charges.
Matthew O’Toole, Stormont’s opposition leader and SDLP assembly member, highlighted the need for clear and concise documentation on the terms of the funding package for both the public and the government to be aware of. He also stressed the importance of accountability in this matter, especially since the public is dependent on knowing the plan for recovering public services.
O’Toole expressed his inability to find written details of the funding package’s terms, although a letter sent to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from all the executive parties indicated preparations for revenue raising. The commitment to look into revenue raising was in writing and signed by the executive parties and publicized before they met Sunak last week.
The SDLP hopes to hold Stormont’s new government accountable, but it has not seen formal documentation of the £3.3 billion deal. The executive has committed to producing a spending plan, which includes revenue raising only if the right level of funding is provided
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