Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, on what date he was informed that any funding arrangements associated with the confidence and supply agreement between the Government and the Democratic Unionist Party would not have Barnett formula consequentials for Scotland.

I have regular discussions with cabinet colleagues on matters of importance to Scotland and the UK.

Like previous Northern Ireland support packages, and City Deals in Scotland and Wales, this funding is a targeted intervention to address a specific set of unique challenges. As was the case for those previous interventions, this is exceptional funding and will therefore be made outside of the normal, ongoing, Barnett funding system and will not attract Barnett consequentials. This will be allocated as an addition to Northern Ireland Executive’s regular block grant.