Menu
02/05/2023
NIO Accused Of 'Playing Politics With Public Services'
The DUP has accused the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) of playing politics with public services in NI.
Following the announcement of the NI Budget by Chris Heaton-Harris, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson told the Secretary of State that "if Stormont returned tomorrow the budgetary pressures will be the same".
Sir Jeffrey said: "The DUP is not going to be brow-beaten by the Government. We will stand up for Northern Ireland and get the best deal for the people we represent. It is now clear for all to see that the NIO is playing politics with public services in Northern Ireland.
"Whilst we agree with and support the need for transformation of our services to better reflect the needs of our citizens, this will not be the outcome of this flat budget allocation. The Secretary of State knows this to be the case. If the Northern Ireland Executive was reformed tomorrow, there is not enough money in the system to fund our public services let alone reform them.
"The costs and impacts of inflation, energy costs as well as the need to fairly fund wage settlements are not taken account of in what is being proposed. If we do not invest in proper pay awards for our public sector workers, then our ability to deliver public services will be greatly diminished.
"Whether it is an NIO Minister or a local Finance Minister, the problem is the same, there is not enough money from Treasury. The Treasury contribution to fund public services in Northern Ireland is going down rather than rising. As an example, in England up to 2025, spending will increase by 6% but only 3.6% in Northern Ireland.
"We reminded the Secretary of State that these funding problems are not new and have been flagged up by the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council repeatedly. The Barnett Formula is not working for Northern Ireland as it does not take account of need.
"If the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister want to see sustainable local decision-making, then much more assistance and support will be needed from His Majesty’s Government alongside a locally agreed modern public services plan that moves Northern Ireland into more stable territory.
"There can be no disguising the fact that the Westminster Government is not investing in a way that would support long-term modernisation."
Following the announcement of the NI Budget by Chris Heaton-Harris, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson told the Secretary of State that "if Stormont returned tomorrow the budgetary pressures will be the same".
Sir Jeffrey said: "The DUP is not going to be brow-beaten by the Government. We will stand up for Northern Ireland and get the best deal for the people we represent. It is now clear for all to see that the NIO is playing politics with public services in Northern Ireland.
"Whilst we agree with and support the need for transformation of our services to better reflect the needs of our citizens, this will not be the outcome of this flat budget allocation. The Secretary of State knows this to be the case. If the Northern Ireland Executive was reformed tomorrow, there is not enough money in the system to fund our public services let alone reform them.
"The costs and impacts of inflation, energy costs as well as the need to fairly fund wage settlements are not taken account of in what is being proposed. If we do not invest in proper pay awards for our public sector workers, then our ability to deliver public services will be greatly diminished.
"Whether it is an NIO Minister or a local Finance Minister, the problem is the same, there is not enough money from Treasury. The Treasury contribution to fund public services in Northern Ireland is going down rather than rising. As an example, in England up to 2025, spending will increase by 6% but only 3.6% in Northern Ireland.
"We reminded the Secretary of State that these funding problems are not new and have been flagged up by the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council repeatedly. The Barnett Formula is not working for Northern Ireland as it does not take account of need.
"If the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister want to see sustainable local decision-making, then much more assistance and support will be needed from His Majesty’s Government alongside a locally agreed modern public services plan that moves Northern Ireland into more stable territory.
"There can be no disguising the fact that the Westminster Government is not investing in a way that would support long-term modernisation."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
04 March 2022
Dunmurry Manor Care Home Report Published
The Department of Health has announced the publication of an independent report into the handling of complaints about safeguarding and care at Dunmurry Manor Care Home.
Dunmurry Manor Care Home Report Published
The Department of Health has announced the publication of an independent report into the handling of complaints about safeguarding and care at Dunmurry Manor Care Home.
14 March 2014
Finance Minister Warns On Future Public Spending
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said the next number of years in Northern Ireland will "eclipse even the last four years of austerity.
Finance Minister Warns On Future Public Spending
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said the next number of years in Northern Ireland will "eclipse even the last four years of austerity.
01 December 2003
Public services need greater accountability
A wide-ranging survey of views on public services in Northern Ireland has revealed that the general public believes that there needs to be greater accountability in the current system. The findings were included in a research report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
Public services need greater accountability
A wide-ranging survey of views on public services in Northern Ireland has revealed that the general public believes that there needs to be greater accountability in the current system. The findings were included in a research report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
22 July 2021
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
Abortion Services Must Be Made Available ASAP
Abortion services must be made available in Northern Ireland no later than 31 March, 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Bright spells with a few showers continuing through this evening. Some drier, clearer periods in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
