The Northern Ireland Assembly has approved two pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening financial oversight. The Administrative and Financial Provisions Bill and the Fiscal Council Bill were passed, Finance Minister John O'Dowd said.

The Administrative and Financial Provisions Bill consolidates measures from multiple departments into a single statute. It moves several public activities onto a permanent legal basis, rather than relying on yearly budget legislation. The Minister stated the changes are intended to modernise services, enhance accountability, and bolster the economy, education, and marine protection.

The Fiscal Council Bill grants statutory independence to the Fiscal Council, a body that has operated informally since 2021. The legislation gives it a flexible mandate to evaluate the long-term health of public finances. O'Dowd noted the council has already improved transparency and scrutiny of financial matters.

The Minister welcomed the bills' passage, saying they would reinforce legislative safeguards over public spending.