Paul Givan outlined challenges to his department’s funds, including building projects and workers’ pay increases, saying it is “underfunded”. Speaking in the Assembly on Monday, Mr Givan said his department’s budgetary position before the allocation of additional funding was £2.582 billion. He said that while there were some further allocations as part of the financial package, including for pay awards for education workers, he said he would be asking for another £1 billion in the next budget. “That is a £1 billion uplift that my department needs to meet the objectives that we have. Mr Givan said he will also raise the Safeguarding the Union agreement between his party, the DUP, with the UK Government earlier this year.

Source: The Herald February 26, 2024 16:50 UTC