Stormont ministers to discuss finances with Rachel Reeves
Ministers To Discuss Budget With UK Chancellor
Photo credit: PA Media
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly attended the unveiling of a proposed government program.
The first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland are set to head to London on Thursday for a meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The gathering, which will also feature Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald, will concentrate on the financial challenges facing Stormont.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly informed BBC News NI that the group would emphasize the importance of having enough financial support "to provide proper public services."
She mentioned that they will also request the chancellor to reconsider her recent choice to take away winter fuel payment benefits from the majority of elderly individuals.
Little-Pengelly remarked that the Labour government shouldn't be attempting to achieve financial balance at the expense of the elderly or hardworking individuals.
The deputy first minister emphasized that the delegation was not approaching the government in a desperate manner.
Instead, she mentioned that ministers would be urging the chancellor to "take action and assist us" in their initiatives to enhance and reform public services in Northern Ireland.
"We are moving forward with strategies and suggestions focused on maintaining a sustainable budget. We're also considering practical choices that we need to implement in Northern Ireland," she clarified.
"However, achieving that change requires an investment. You must be willing to provide what is necessary to maintain effective public services."
On Monday, the draft plan for government from the Northern Ireland Executive was released.
The 88-page report, titled 'Our Plan: Prioritizing What Matters Most', outlines the executive's goals across several key areas.
It highlights nine "key priorities" that the leadership plans to focus on this year and throughout their time in office.
When questioned on Monday about how the priorities would be financed, First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed to BBC News NI that the funding structure for Northern Ireland is flawed.
"Things have to shift, so we plan to visit the Treasury once more on Thursday to keep discussing the funding model," she said.
Rachel Reeves took on her new position as Chancellor of the Exchequer following her appointment after the election on July 5.
On Tuesday, the finance minister informed the assembly members (MLAs) that the departments in Stormont are currently dealing with a budget shortfall of £767 million.
This indicates that departments feel they require an additional £767 million beyond what is presently allocated in the budget.
Caoimhe Archibald mentioned that Stormont is likely to receive an additional £500 million, partly due to the budget announced in Westminster this October.
She mentioned that while this will greatly help relieve some of the pressures, it’s essential for the ministers to contribute as well, and there won't be complete clarity on the total amount until the end of this year.
Source of the image, PA Media
Caoimhe Archibald has held the position of finance minister since February 2024.
Archibald cautioned that if ministers fail to stick to their budget, it could lead to serious repercussions for public funding down the line.
The finance minister stated that the Treasury has clearly indicated that if there is any overspending this year, it will lead to the reinstatement of the repayments for a previous overspend of £559 million that had been put on hold.
"We need to confront the difficulties ahead, work hard to stay within our financial limits, and prevent a situation in 2025-26 where we have to manage not only the overspending from this year but also an additional £559 million from prior years. This can only be accomplished by making the prudent choices necessary to reach financial stability this year," she stated to the Assembly.
