Ministers outline financial pressures to the Chancellor
Date published:
The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Finance Minister today met with the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
This was an initial online introductory meeting and focused on the pressures on the Executive’s Finances.
Speaking after the meeting, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the new Chancellor today. It is important that we continue to have constructive discussions and make the case for fair funding so that we can deliver the services our public deserve.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added:
“We had a positive discussion with the new Chancellor during which we stressed the importance of a strong collaborative working relationship to ensure financial stability and to secure appropriate funding for the improvement of public services.”
Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald said:
“I welcomed the opportunity to have a meeting with the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and look forward to having a constructive relationship working together to deliver the necessary funding to deliver the best possible public services.
“We will have further engagements with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Chancellor in the weeks and months ahead, however, I did express concerns about our overall finances and the need for additional funding for public sector pay awards, including to meet pay review body recommendations.
“While good progress has been made in relation to the fiscal framework, work must continue as a priority and our finances must be put on a sustainable footing. Certainty of funding is crucial for effective planning and delivery of public services.
“I look forward to resetting relationships with the Chancellor and working together to deliver the public services we need.”