Overview
- The Treasury has refused a Stormont request for roughly £119–£120 million in reserve funding to cover compensation linked to the 2023 PSNI data breach.
- Justice Minister Naomi Long called the decision reckless and warned that covering the payout from existing budgets would cut public services.
- PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has written to the Treasury to restate the case for reserve funding, with discussions ongoing and settlements still being negotiated.
- DUP leader Gavin Robinson told MPs the force is underfunded and under strength, citing about 6,200 officers against the 7,500 recommended in New Decade, New Approach.
- The Prime Minister pointed to a record £19.3 billion average annual settlement for the Executive and £113 million in additional security funding for the PSNI, while stressing the Executive sets the PSNI budget.