Northern Ireland Secretary Bryant criticises Stormont ministers over budget and funding rules
The Northern Ireland Secretary has accused Stormont executives of lacking financial accountability while ruling out front-loading extra UK government money.
Bryant rejects front-loaded spending plan
Sir Chris Bryant told BBC Radio Ulster that the UK government will not release additional funds in larger chunks for the first year. He stated clearly that only £525m is set aside for this year out of a total £1.5bn package over three years. The minister explained there is no money beyond what has already been allocated for the current period.
Ministers blame devolution funding formula
The Stormont executive has not agreed a budget for this year because it claims the UK's devolution funding formula leaves them short. Bryant described the situation as abnormal and noted that no local council in the UK operates without a balanced budget. He warned that continuing to overspend willy-nilly will inevitably lead to consequences for the administration.
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