Significant financial pressures remain despite additional funding – O’Dowd
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the announcement in the Spring Forecast statement of an additional £390 million in funding but says significant pressures remain.
Speaking after an oral statement to the Assembly, the Minister said: “The Chancellor’s confirmation that the Executive will receive an additional £390 million in funding over the next three years is to be welcomed. However, the reality is that severe pressures on the Executive’s finances remain.
“As demand for public services has grown, so too has the cost of delivering the services our people rightly expect and deserve.
“I am continuing to make the case to the British Government regarding the restoration of the stabilisation fund to help stabilise public services and bring about the transformation of those services to make them fit for now and the future.”
The Minister added: “While significant challenges remain, it is essential we grasp the opportunity presented now to set a multi-year budget.
“The consultation on the multi-year budget closes today. As of lunchtime today, over 300 responses have been received. I want to thank those who have contributed to the consultation.
“I will continue to work in partnership with Ministerial colleagues to find a way forward on the multi-year budget to enable strategic investment that delivers lasting benefits for workers, families and businesses.”
Notes to editors:
Notes to editors:
- A copy of the Minister’s Oral Statement is available at www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/oral-statement-finance-minister-chancellors-spring-forecast-3-march-2026
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