Devolved Policing Budget Outlined

The funding for devolved policing and justice was made public today.

A letter, published by the Prime Minister, detailed the allocation of around £1bn for the new Stormont department.

Gordon Brown this afternoon told the Commons a settlement figure had been put together.

The financial package has been the subject of lengthy political wrangling between the First and Deputy First Ministers and Downing Street in recent month.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness held further budgetary talks with the Prime Minister in London last night.

The meeting was the latest in a series of summits, culminating in what the Deputy First Minister described as "a good night's work", adding the deal was an "incredible achievement against the backdrop of recession."

Mr McGuinness said Sinn Féin would not accept any "further hurdles", maintaining his belief progress could be made before Christmas.

Mr Robinson, the DUP First Minister, said confidence within the unionist community was essential to the future of a new devolved policing and judiciary department.

He said his party would discuss the figures with other political leaders, as well as PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggot and senior court representatives.

"We see getting public confidence as being an essential ingredient - it was a commitment in our manifesto, and part of the confidence-building is having confidence in the financial arrangements," said Mr Robinson.

Stormont's other main parties were provided with outline figures last week. Sinn Fein has already accepted the deal, with the DUP seeking clarification on certain aspects.

The First Minister also hopes to meet with Tory leader David Cameron once the package is made public.

Mr Robinson is expected to seek a Conservative pledge on the arrangement, given the likelihood of a general election next year.

(PR/BMcC)