Understand
Stormont deputy first minister calls for fair funding package from UK government
Overview
Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, has stated that the executive cannot legally reach a balanced budget without additional funding from the UK government. Seven months into the financial year, Stormont has not agreed a budget due to disagreements over a £1.5bn funding offer, which the executive argues leaves departments facing shortfalls of up to £1.6bn.
Key points
- Emma Little-Pengelly stated that Northern Ireland cannot legally reach a balanced budget with the current funding on the table.
- The executive is set to meet the Northern Ireland Secretary to argue for a fair funding package.
- The UK government previously offered a financial package worth about £1.5bn over three years, which the Northern Ireland Secretary termed a final offer.
- Executive parties argue the offer does not go far enough, leaving departments facing a shortfall of up to £1.6bn.
- Public services are currently operating under contingency arrangements allowing departments to spend up to 95% of last year's funding.