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No budget resolution reached yet, says O’Neill
Northern Ireland’s parties have yet to agree a budget after talks with Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said. The deadlock matters because ministers say they need more funding to balance public spending and deliver this year’s public sector pay awards.
Bryant is understood to have sought commitments to raise an additional £200m in 2027/28 and 2028/29, as well as stronger discipline around pay promises. The UK government has offered £525m for this year, but Stormont ministers say it does not cover their spending pressures. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Bryant was not moving, while Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows warned of a risk of strike action by health workers awaiting pay uplifts.
In short
- Stormont parties have not reached a budget deal.
- Bryant is seeking £200m in extra revenue raising.
- Public sector pay awards and possible strike action are at stake.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A budget needs to be affordable over more than one year, and the UK government can reasonably seek firm plans to raise additional revenue and tighter control over pay commitments before providing further support. Without those assurances, ministers may make promises that deepen future shortfalls and leave public services less sustainable.
The case against
Stormont ministers can argue that the £525m offer does not meet current spending pressures or provide enough to fund this year’s agreed public sector pay awards. Requiring more revenue and stricter pay controls could prolong the deadlock, delay workers’ pay and increase the risk of strikes and disruption to public services.