To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she has discussed the introduction of an infrastructure levy with the Minister of Finance.

Ms Kimmins

To date, I have not had any discussion with the Minister of Finance regarding an infrastructure levy. Any decision to apply an additional levy to rates bills would be a cross-cutting matter to be considered at Executive level, and substantive changes would need to be made to rating legislation and the rating administration system in respect of such a change. I have met the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Construction Employers Federation and the NI Federation of Housing Associations to consider their report that proposed increasing rates by means of a hypothecated infrastructure levy to fund waste water infrastructure. For me, that represents a form of water charging, which, I have said clearly, I will not introduce. For the avoidance of doubt, I say that I will not add to the financial burden faced by people here by imposing any form of water charges. I recognise, as we all do, the constrained financial situation. We face that collectively, with difficult decisions being required, and will continue to look at innovative, new ways of maximising the delivery of vital infrastructure. As I mentioned, we will do that through the three-pronged approach, which I do not need to go into the details of again. We will also seek additional funding where possible, whether through the Budget or the monitoring rounds. Whilst that levy has been put forward as a solution, it is one that, I think, would lead to water charges. However, such a levy concerns rates, so I could not make a decision on that. As I said, it is an Executive matter.

Ms Kimmins

I have talked about the three-pronged approach. That is about looking at what else we can do in different ways. It is not all about raising money, although we have considered that through developer contributions. It is about looking at natural drainage solutions, as the Member will know, and a Bill on that is coming through the Assembly. It is also about working with Executive colleagues to secure additional investment. I outlined earlier what we have been able to do with additional investment on a very short-term basis. It is very important to say what we can do when we get such investment. I continue to work through that. I will never shirk my responsibility for what we have to consider and the difficult decisions that have to be taken. However, for me, adding a financial burden to households that are already struggling is not the answer, because it would just compound the challenges faced by the people who we all represent.

Mr McAleer

Will the Minister assure us that she will continue to protect people from the burden of water charges?

Ms Kimmins

I have said on a number of occasions in the House that I will not introduce water charges. That is not done just for the sake of saying, "I'm not doing it". We all recognise that we have to look at things to see how we can maximise the Budget and do what we can to get proper investment in our services. However, in reality, why should the people across the North pay the price for years upon years of underinvestment by successive British Governments? People have said that that is a sound bite or an excuse. It is absolutely not an excuse; it is a reality. I will not stop reminding people of that, because it is important. We cannot give cover to a failure to deliver a Budget amount that meets the needs of people here. People here are taxpayers, and they are as entitled to good services and good investment as anyone else across these islands is. We will continue to make that case to the British Treasury to ensure that they understand the impact of decisions that have been taken over many years.

Mr Dunne

Will the Minister outline her assessment of the Finance Minister's recent draft Budget with regard to addressing the waste water crisis, which she and her predecessors have overseen? Many would concur that we have seen little or no real action to deal with that crisis.

Ms Kimmins

I do not agree that there has been little or no action. I have outlined some of the actions that have been taken even in the past number of months. However, I recognise that we still have a huge amount of work to do, and we will continue to drive forward with that. On the draft Budget, no Minister around the Executive table could be happy with the allocations that have been put forward. However, there is only a small pie, and it can only go so far. If I were to reject it and say, "I'm not happy with it. We can't move forward", who would face the consequences? We all have a responsibility to deliver public services for the people across the North. We have to continue to work together: that is the key. As I have said, we need to make that case strongly and unitedly to the British Government, because they know it — they stated it clearly when the Assembly was restored in 2024. It is important to remember that every decision that is taken has a consequence for another Minister. How do we share that collectively? How do we work together to make the most of what we have and get the best outcomes with the Budget amount that has been given to us?