DUP hopes funding gap will narrow enough for Stormont budget deal

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 16:33 · Archive

The DUP has expressed hope that the funding gap for a Stormont budget could narrow sufficiently to allow an agreement. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said there is a 'sense of realism' entering budget discussions with the UK Government, and that closing the funding gap next Wednesday could give Stormont ministers a 'fighting chance' to balance its budget. The expected announcement next week of Barnett consequentials—funding adjustments given to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in response to adjusted policy spending in England—could contribute to this narrowing.

However, Robinson cautioned that it would not be realistic to imagine the gap will be entirely closed or that hundreds of millions of pounds will be announced. Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant previously insisted there is no more money available beyond the £1.5 billion currently on the table. Sinn Féin president Mary-Lou McDonald cautioned that the money on offer from London 'still runs far short' of what is necessary for public services and public sector pay awards.

Robinson acknowledged the fundamental challenge: 'no matter whether this Executive passes a budget, or indeed he steps in and the Government pass it on the Executive's behalf, the books cannot balance.' He suggested that understanding this constraint, combined with continued engagement, may create an opportunity for progress when the Barnett consequentials are announced.

How it is being reported

• DUP voices hope of funding gap ‘potentially closing’ to allow budget agreementLeader Gavin Robinson hailed what he described as ‘realism’ following a meeting with Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant.News Letter · 22 Oct, 16:28
• DUP voices hope of funding gap ‘potentially closing’ to allow budget agreementPressed, Mr Robinson said it would not be realistic to imagine the gap will be entirely closed, or that hundreds of millions of pounds will be announced next weekBelfast Live · 22 Oct, 16:12
• DUP voices hope of funding gap ‘potentially closing’ to allow budget agreementBelfast Telegraph · 22 Oct, 15:56

In this story: DUP · Gavin Robinson · UK Government · Sir Chris Bryant · Mary-Lou McDonald · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland · Stormont

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