Health Minister said: “I have been very clear
from the outset that the additional money that came our way in
the December monitoring round would be up to £100 million.
“Today we have been allocated £69.3 million. Although that amount
falls short, I recognise that pressures in other departments left
the Finance Minister having to allocate available funds on a pro
rata basis.
“But I want to stress that this will not affect the 2025/26 pay
awards for Agenda for Change staff and doctors and dentists which
will still be backdated to 1 April 2025. I can also reaffirm my
commitment to ensuring that future pay awards are prioritised in
my budget allocation at the start of the financial year and our
commitment to pay parity is maintained.
“Obviously, the shortfall in today's allocation will place
additional pressure on my Department in terms of next year's
budget but we have been planning to face an inevitable deficit
for some time.
“I welcome the £25 million capital allocation. It will allow
progress to be made on essential IT infrastructure and equipment
as well as reducing the backlog maintenance liability across the
Health and Social Care sector.
“Unfortunately, my department also faces significant financial
pressures on its capital budget in the coming years, and it is
essential that sufficient funding is made available as part of
the Budget process.”
