The SDLP's Matthew O'Toole accused the Executive of trying to 'cram' the budget through in two days
Stormont's Official Opposition is to attempt to amend the Budget Bill as it comes before MLAs this afternoon.
The measure would mean that for the first time, an independent body would have the legal responsibility to report to the public on Northern Ireland’s public finances, but also on how well the Executive is delivering against its targets.This proposal was first outlined in the SDLP’s Triple Lock public finance proposals published in 2023.
"Not only would the independent Fiscal Council have its status placed in law, they would be mandated to report to the public on the performance of the Executive in delivering on key public service targets, including reducing waiting lists. The public needs to know what the plan is, and they need an independent watchdog to explain whether the plan is being delivered.
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