The North Antrim MP said:
“Whereas restoration of the City Deals is welcome, this is a budget which will stymie growth, especially in an economy like Northern Ireland’s which is so dominated by SMEs.
“Small business is bearing the burden of this budget with the broken promise hike in national insurance and above inflation increase to the living wage.
“Swinging tax increases suppress, not encourage, growth.
“The assault on inheritance tax relief for farmers is a big blow to many family farms.
“Also, with no assured additional funding beyond 2026/27, the NI budget has not received the stability it needs.”