11/08/2026
O’Dowd Seeks Urgent Talks With Chancellor Over Executive Finances
Northern Ireland's Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, has written to the Chancellor to request an urgent meeting on securing fair and sustainable funding for the Executive.
Announcing the move on 10 August 2026, Minister O'Dowd said: "The absence of an agreed Budget for 2026-27 is creating significant uncertainty for departments and placing increasing pressure on the delivery of our public services. It is also forcing short-term decision making at a time when longer-term, strategic choices are required."
He added: "It is imperative that an agreed Budget is put in place as soon as possible. This can only happen, though, after agreement has been reached with the Westminster Government around a fair and sustainable funding outcome."
Outlining recent engagement with London, the Minister said: "The Executive has engaged extensively with Westminster to ensure there is a clear understanding of the scale of the financial challenges we face and the impact they are having on public services."
Calling for swift progress, he continued: "Given the seriousness of the situation, urgent progress is now required. I am calling on the Chancellor to engage directly with the Executive and take the necessary steps to deliver a funding settlement that enables us to set a sustainable Budget, drive transformation and deliver better outcomes for our people."
Announcing the move on 10 August 2026, Minister O'Dowd said: "The absence of an agreed Budget for 2026-27 is creating significant uncertainty for departments and placing increasing pressure on the delivery of our public services. It is also forcing short-term decision making at a time when longer-term, strategic choices are required."
Outlining recent engagement with London, the Minister said: "The Executive has engaged extensively with Westminster to ensure there is a clear understanding of the scale of the financial challenges we face and the impact they are having on public services."
Calling for swift progress, he continued: "Given the seriousness of the situation, urgent progress is now required. I am calling on the Chancellor to engage directly with the Executive and take the necessary steps to deliver a funding settlement that enables us to set a sustainable Budget, drive transformation and deliver better outcomes for our people."
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New cancer building opens at Craigavon Area Hospital
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be a dry and settled night with mostly cloudy skies, though some clear intervals are still possible. Winds will strengthen overnight, especially around the coasts. Minimum temperature 8 °C.