NI Ministers: Budget "Breaking Point," Seek Starmer Meeting for Funding

Northern Ireland's budget is "at breaking point" and needs additional UK government funding, ministers warned after a Northern Executive meeting on Thursday. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the delivery of public services is stark and the Executive will request a meeting with UK prime minister Keir Starmer. O'Neill stated ministers are making a direct appeal to the prime minister to meet a cross-party delegation, emphasizing the dire budget realities.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the Executive's message to the prime minister is "simple: this cannot wait." She called for a comprehensive support package now. The price of fuel and home heating oil, used in two-thirds of Northern households, has increased, impacting people amid significant financial pressures in Stormont departments, particularly health and education.

A draft multiyear budget published in January has not been agreed. In February, the UK treasury said it would make an additional £400 million available to balance the budget. O'Neill said the "starting point here is an inadequate budget" leaving every minister with a funding shortfall.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced over 300,000 low-income households will receive a £100 voucher to offset the rise in home heating oil prices. The scheme will be paid for by £17 million from the UK government and £19.2 million from the Northern Executive.