Committee publication · Correspondence · 17 June 2026

Correspondence with HM Treasury relating to the Northern Ireland Executive Budget, dated 10 June and 27 May 2026.

From: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

Summary

Correspondence between the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee chair and HM Treasury's Chief Secretary regarding publication of an Open Book Review of Northern Ireland Executive finances. Treasury confirms the review was published on 1 June 2026, providing evidence for sustainable financial planning. Treasury declines a committee invitation for oral evidence, citing competing demands across government spending committees.

Key findings

HM Treasury published the Open Book Review of Northern Ireland Executive finances on 1 June 2026, following committee pressure and media leaks of findings
The review examined departmental spending tied to a £400 million reserve claim in recent Supplementary Estimates, including PSNI budget adequacy
Committee expressed frustration that the analysis was not published immediately despite aspects being leaked to the press
Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby KC declined invitation to give oral evidence on 8 July, citing prioritisation of Treasury Committee attendance over departmental representation elsewhere
Treasury indicated the Executive should now engage with Open Book recommendations to place finances on a more sustainable footing

Tone

Procedural

Topics

public-financenorthern-irelandpolicinggovernment-accountability

Key actors

Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Lucy Rigby KC MP, John O'Dowd MLA, Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, HM Treasury, Northern Ireland Executive, Police Service of Northern Ireland

Notable line

“… publication is not a decision for the Executive alone”

Key Quotes

“My committee is frustrated that this analysis has not yet been published, particularly given that aspects of its findings — including those relating to relative police spending — were leaked to the press.”
— Tonia Antoniazzi MP · explaining committee concerns about Open Book Review delays

“I am pleased to confirm HM Treasury now published the open book review of Northern Ireland Executive finances on 1 June.”
— Lucy Rigby KC MP · announcing publication of the review

“In my cross-government role overseeing all public spending, it is not practical to give evidence to all Committees on spending matters.”
— Lucy Rigby KC MP · declining invitation to appear before the committee

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Source · parliament.uk record ↗