UUP says releasing money for public sector pay puts focus on UK Government and 'absolves' the DUP

As Northern Ireland enters one of the most widespread strikes in its history, Steve Aiken takes aim at his unionist rivals – claiming that time is running out to spend the £3.3 billion on offer from Westminster.
Steve Aiken MLASteve Aiken MLA
Steve Aiken MLA

The Ulster Unionist finance spokesperson said: “Yesterday, we should have been gathering in the Assembly to deliberate on the allocation of the £3.3 billion settlement agreement between the Treasury and the Executive Political Parties.

“These resources were intended to cover the public sector pay award, finally acknowledging Northern Ireland's prolonged under-resourcing and effectively writing off our overspend. Although this funding wouldn't have addressed every need, it would have significantly contributed to stabilizing our public sector.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, we find ourselves in a ludicrous situation – agreed funding with no mechanism in place to spend it. While releasing funds for the public sector pay award may seem like an obvious first step, it places the responsibility on the Secretary of State, absolving the DUP of the duty to revive the Assembly. Time is rapidly running out to spend the money.

“The overall package, particularly around transformation, requires engaging contracts, advancing 'shovel-ready' projects, addressing hospital waiting lists, and establishing re-profiled funding arrangements. These monies must be spent within the next 2.5 months.

“Shortly, the Treasury will prepare for the March pre-election budget without Northern Ireland undergoing a formal budget and estimate process—a dereliction of duty, not of the Secretary of State, but of this non-functioning Assembly.

“Coupled with a looming comprehensive spending review in 2025, we had just over a year to maximize flexibilities in the pre-Christmas financial settlement and initiate transformation to lock in the change process. Currently, our Civil Service operates sub-optimally, lacking clear financial direction and relying on the hope that something might just turn up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Despite receiving much of what we asked for last month, a political party is dithering, lacking a plan, with time rapidly running out. Regardless of the machinations of the Windsor Framework, every day of delay makes governing increasingly difficult.

“As Westminster sinks into political stagnation and faces global problems, we are becoming ever more peripheral, all due to the actions of one political party. This is no way to repair public service pay gaps, deal with waiting lists, initiate transformation, or, more importantly, secure our Union.”

The DUP have been contacted for comment.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.