Minister comments following December Monitoring Round allocation

Date published: 9 December 2025

“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.”