£220 million support for Northern Ireland confirmed by Health Secretary

Q Radio News/PA

Northern Ireland is to receive £220 million for the NHS and social care services under plans announced by Matt Hancock last week, it has been confirmed.

The Health Secretary announced a £7 billion package of additional funding last week, to provide supports through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It has now been confirmed that £1.3 billion of that support package will be distributed among the devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Mr Hancock said: “Throughout this crisis we’ve protected the NHS, and made sure they have the resources they need.

“As a result, across the whole United Kingdom the NHS has been able to live up to its promise of treating everyone according to need not ability to pay. Those values have stood in good stead in this pandemic in very difficult times.

“I’m delighted to confirm that as a result of the £7 billion extra UK Government investment announced last week, Northern Ireland will receive £220 million, helping ensure health services in all parts of the UK can continue to tackle the impact of this pandemic.

“This is another example – alongside the vaccine rollout – of the UK working together for all our citizens.”

The funding breakdown is determined by the Barnett formula and it is up to the devolved administrations how they spend the money.

When England receives additional funding, the Barnett formula ensures Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all receive an equivalent share of funding.

Brandon Lewis.

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said: “The UK Government continues to support Northern Ireland through this pandemic with a further £220 million for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver essential healthcare to all those in need during these challenging times.

“The funding is on top of the additional £1.3 billion that the Executive is already receiving through the Barnett formula for 2021-22, which they can use to fight coronavirus, sustain people’s livelihoods and keep businesses running.

“I will continue working closely with the Executive to ensure the NI economy recovers from the pandemic as quickly as possible.”