The Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has said that the Chancellor’s Statement has done little to alleviate the real pressures being felt by many people due to the cost of living increases, and has highlighted the malign influence the NI Protocol is having on people in Northern Ireland, as UK VAT rules cannot apply here without the EU’s permission.  

Steve Aiken OBE MLA, said:

“The Chancellor’s statement did little to alleviate the real pain of the rising cost of living. For some there will be a degree of relief, but for far too many, the most vulnerable, and many who are now no longer ‘just about managing’, today’s statement was a real blow.

“The extraordinary announcement that the 0% rate in VAT on energy efficiency measures will not be applicable in NI vindicates the warnings that the Ulster Unionist Party has been giving.  The fact that the UK Government cannot extend measures to reduce VAT to Northern Ireland without the EU’s say so is a damning indictment on both the Protocol itself and those parties who so foolishly called for its ‘rigorous implementation.’ This unacceptable situation must be promptly resolved once and for all.  

“The fact Northern Ireland is getting a Barnett consequential is little comfort because it cannot be allocated as we have no Executive. This just adds insult to injury. We really do deserve better.”