Budget consultation for the Department for the Economy

The Department for the Economy (DfE) is seeking views on the equality implications of its budget for 2023-24.

With a reduction in funding, there will undoubtedly be an impact on DfE’s ability to deliver public services in 2023-24, including funding of further education and higher education, skills measures, and the activities of our arm’s-length bodies and agencies which deliver services and support for areas including economic development, tourism, creative and screen industries, consumer protection, workplace safety and resolving disputes at work.

Equality Impact Assessment

Through this consultation, DfE is embarking on an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA). They are seeking comments and feedback from the public on the decisions required and the impacts of those decisions. Responses to the consultation will inform DfE's decision-making.

Budget allocations will be revisited where possible during the financial year. Funding may be reallocated to other priority areas depending on relative spend levels in each DfE business area. The EqIA and consultation responses will also be used to inform any such reallocations.

How consultation responses will be used

The consultation will be open for a 12-week period, until 30 August 2023. Given the urgency around the need for decision-making, DfE particularly encourages responses within the initial four weeks of the consultation period, up to 5 July. Views received during this time will be used to inform DfE’s initial allocation of funds to its business areas and arm’s-length bodies, as well as any early mitigations that can be put in place.

Responses received between week five and week 12 (6 July to 30 August) of the consultation will be used to consider further mitigation measures, to inform in-year budget reallocation processes, and to direct any additional funding (or further reductions) that emerge over the course of the financial year.

How to respond to the consultation?

You can respond to the consultation using the online form. If you require the consultation in an alternative format you can request this from DfE.

Read full details of the budget proposals and further details on how to respond.

First published 12 June 2023