Consultation on devolution of more fiscal powers

Views sought on recommendations to increase the NI Assembly’s control over taxation

In March 2021, the Independent Fiscal Commission was established to carry out a comprehensive review of the case for increasing fiscal powers available to the Northern Ireland Assembly. In line with the terms of reference, the commission carried out research and put forward recommendations on powers to enhance the NI Assembly’s fiscal responsibilities and increase its ability to raise revenues to sustainably fund public services.

Independent Fiscal Commission's report

The commission's final report, published in May 2022 made a total of 23 recommendations which provide a comprehensive framework for delivering enhanced fiscal powers in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Finance (DoF) is now considering the commission's report and is seeking formal stakeholder engagement on the recommendations made by the commission through this public consultation.

Consultation questions

The consultation asks stakeholders to consider the following:

• Do you think the NI Executive should be provided with more fiscal powers like the Scottish and Welsh administrations have? What are your reasons for saying that?
• Which taxes that the commission recommends for devolution do you think that the NI Executive should seek to prioritise? Why do you say that?
• What are your views regarding the timing for devolution of the taxes as recommended by the commission?
• What are your views as to how the NI Executive could best make use of any additional fiscal powers? Should the NI Executive be seeking such powers to raise or lower certain taxes? Where might the NI Executive use taxes as policy levers to change behaviours? And do you think increased local taxation should be used to better fund public services in line with local needs and circumstances?
• What are your views on how any newly devolved fiscal powers might be administered?
• Are there any other issues related to fiscal devolution, perhaps not covered in the commission’s final report or where you have a different opinion, which in your view should be considered by the NI Executive?

How to respond to the consultation

DoF welcomes responses to this consultation from all groups and individuals. The questions are provided as a guide for any response, but DoF welcomes any views or comments on the subject.

You can complete the online consultation form or email your responses to the questions raised in the consultation to spd@finance-ni.gov.uk.

You can also write to:

Strategic Policy Division
Department of Finance
9 Lanyon Place
Belfast
BT1 3LP

Read full details on the consultation on the devolution of more fiscal powers.

First published 4 October 2022