To ask the Minister of Finance to outline when he will make provision through regulations, for procedures to be followed when pooling resources, as part of The Children's Services Co-Operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.

ANSWER

My department published guidance on pooled budgeting in April 2025, intended to provide direction and advice for all departments in overcoming many of the barriers faced when implementing pooled budgets. NILGA also published similar guidance for local councils in March 2025.

My officials have recently engaged with stakeholders identified in the Children’s Services Co-operation Act, completed a review of the barriers to the Act, and are currently developing an action plan that seeks to reduce and remove these barriers to allow organisations to pool resources and share outcomes. Work is well advanced, and it is due to be published in the coming months.

It is therefore my intention to monitor the impact of these developments on the ability of departments to work collaboratively, and if necessary, consider the need for regulations at that stage.