Therefore seeking to suppress the public sector pay here – something that is a key stimulus in local economic activity – will only impose greater differences in economic growth rates across the UK. Patterson said, “The increase in income tax personal allowances by a further £1,100 in April 2013 – the largest in 30 years – will benefit 605,000 people in Northern Ireland, and lift 25,000 out of income tax. * An estimated 25,000 people in NI out of income tax, and around 605,000 people in NI £220 a year better off.