Northern Ireland leaders press Secretary for more funding before UK budget

Stormont’s infrastructure minister, Liz Kimmins, appealed to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to recognise that the region’s funding is inadequate for delivering essential services. The Executive has not agreed on a full budget for one outlet financial year, forcing departments to operate at no more than 95% of the previous year’s allocation. While the UK Government has offered an additional £1.5 billion across three years, Stormont leaders argue this does not close the deficit.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson proposed applying Barnett consequentials, similar to adjustments made for Scotland and Wales, to give the Executive a realistic chance of balancing its books. After meeting with parties at Stormont, Bryant said he will continue discussions following Chancellor John Healey’s budget announcement.