‘Economic task force needed’ – Bradley | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

‘Economic task force needed’ – Bradley

Two SDLP Assembly Members have called for a new Task Force to be established to enhance key areas of the North’s economy and examine the practical requirements for the devolution of Corporation Tax.

SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley

The calls were made this week by SDLP Chair of Stormont’s Enterprise Committee Patsy McGlone MLA and Newry & Armagh Assembly Dominic Bradley MLA, who is Deputy Chairman of Stormont’s Finance Committee.

Speaking at the Assembly this week, McGlone said, “In light of the revised financial priorities emerging from the Stormont House proposals and the now confirmed devolution of corporation tax varying powers, it’s essential that the Assembly commits itself to enhancing the local economy in preparation for these changes.”

Newry and Armagh Assembly Member Dominic Bradley said, “Today the SDLP are calling for a new cross-departmental task force to work intensively on two key economic drivers. The first is the preparation of new capital projects, making use of any new or reallocated funds.

“A key failing of this Executive has been its inability to see through significant capital projects that would sustain and boost the construction industry and supply sector.

“We need a new focus on building capacity and streamlining processes around capital projects that will support our core industries and that must be matched by political will to move projects forward.

“We also need to seriously and strategically prepare for corporation tax varying powers. We need comprehensive investment in a range of infrastructure elements to ensure we get the most from any change in corporation tax.

He added, “These issues are especially acute for the areas that have been neglected and discriminated against in the past, such as rural South Armagh and areas west of the Bann.

“We have the opportunity to transform the local economy but only if Department’s collectively commit to significantly increasing support for local industry.”

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Posted by on Jan 19 2015. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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