Explanatory Memorandum

Budget (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2024

2024 CHAPTER 4

18 October 2024

Purpose

6.The Act will give effect to the 2024-25 Main Estimates and authorises the use of resources for 2024-25.

7.For 2024-25 a total amount of £28,772,794,000 is authorised.

8.The resources (current and capital) authorised for use for the year ending 31 March 2025 are to be used for the purposes specified in Part 2 of the estimates set out in Schedule 1 to the Act.

9.The Act will also authorise the issue of cash from the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland in support of services for 2024-25. For 2024-25 the Act will authorise a total amount of £25,255,627,000.

10.The sums to be issued from the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2025 are to be used for the purposes set out in Part 2 of the estimates contained in Schedule 1 to the Act.

11.In addition, the Act will authorise temporary borrowing by the Department of Finance. For 2024-25 up to £12,627,814,000 may be borrowed to be repaid no later than 31 March 2025. This is a normal safeguard to allow the efficient management of the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland and does not authorise any additional expenditure.