Funding stalemate over "Troubles" pension continues between Belfast and London

By Q Radio news

The stalemate continues between London and Belfast over a compensation scheme for injured Troubles victims in Northern Ireland.

Announcing his draft budget for consultation yesterday evening Finance Minister Conor Murphy said  the London government should fund the payments because the legislation was passed at Westminster.

It's estimated the payments could cosst £800 million pounds.

However Mr. Murphy says the Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has refused to meet the First and Deputy First Ministers, the Justice Minister or himself over the matter.

(Finance Minister Conor Murphy)

Announcing the draft budget for 2021/22 to the Assembly on Monday, Mr Murphy said Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has yet to provide funding for the scheme.

Mr Murphy also said that Mr Lewis refused to meet First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Michelle Lewis, Justice Minister Naomi Long or himself over the matter.

“The Executive is fully committed to delivering these payments and in line with the British Government’s own Statement of Funding Policy, it is the responsibility of the British Government to provide the necessary funding,” he told MLAs.

“I hope that the Secretary of State will meet with Executive ministers to discuss how the significant costs involved, which the Justice Minister has estimated may be as much as £800 million, will be funded.”

Stormont’s department of justice was designated to administer the scheme last September.

It is anticipated it will open for applications in March.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State has been consistent in his support for the Victims’ Payment Scheme.

“He has always been clear that the devolved funding settlement means that the Executive is funded through the block grant, together with its own revenue-raising capabilities, to deliver its statutory responsibilities, including this scheme.”