More flexibility and funding needed from London to secure Stormont multi-year budget

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has urged the UK government for greater funding and budget flexibilities to secure Stormont's first multi-year budget in over a decade; the draft plan from Finance Minister John O'Dowd is under public consultation and has not been agreed by the Executive.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has called on the UK government for more funding and greater budget flexibility to help secure Stormont's first multi-year budget in more than a decade. She described the stalemate over the proposed budget as one of the Stormont Executive's most pressing issues. Finance Minister John O'Dowd published a draft multi-year spending plan last week and has sent it out for public consultation. Larger Stormont parties held meetings with Secretary of State Hilary Benn in Belfast and London this week. Current facts: - Michelle O'Neill said there is not enough money in the allocated budget and asked for built-in flexibilities and additional funding from London. - The draft multi-year spending plan by Finance Minister John O'Dowd has been published and is under public consultation, but it has not been agreed by the powersharing Executive. - Senior party meetings with Secretary of State Hilary Benn took place in Belfast and London; the DUP stated Northern Ireland must be funded according to need and also emphasised identifying and cutting wasteful spending. Summary: The reported impasse is described as placing pressure on public services and complicating efforts to reach a three-year budget after more than a decade of constrained funding. The draft plan is currently under public consultation and the Executive has not agreed it; further discussions with the Secretary of State have taken place as parties seek a path forward.