Chris Bryant tells party leaders there will be no improvement on budget offer

The UK Government has made a financial offer slightly above £1.5 billion over the next three years in an effort to assist with balancing the budget.Stormont departments have been operating without a budget since the beginning of the current financial year.Ministers in the devolved powersharing Executive have insisted they cannot strike a budget for 2026/27 without additional financial support from Westminster.Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant (Gareth Fuller/PA)PA WireDevolved departments are currently allowed to spend up to 95% of last year’s funding in the absence of ministers agreeing the budget.The offer currently on the table has not changed since it was made in writing to the parties on September 10.The Press Association understands that it includes £450 million resource funding in 2026/2027, then £400 million in the following two financial years.It includes £50 million in funding in each of the three years for transformation of public services, which the Government wants the Northern Ireland Executive to match.The offer also includes £50 million in capital funding for social housing in 2027/2028 and 2028/2029.While the additional funding is not guaranteed beyond the three-year period, there is a commitment to consider baselining it as part of the spending review process.The Executive would also be allowed to keep 50% of funds collected from additional fraud and error identified in the welfare system.Read MoreIt is understood the offer comes with a series of conditions.Part of the Secretary of State’s talks with local parties has also included Stormont reform, but that is being dealt with separately from budget discussions.Sir Chris spoke to the party leaders about the offer on Thursday afternoon and told them there would not be further funding from the Treasury.It is understood he hopes to get an outline response from them next week.