Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Nicholl has stated that it would be the height of hypocrisy for DUP Councillors to travel to London to lobby for money for the Belfast City Deal from a budget which their Westminster representatives intend to vote against.
Councillor Nicholl said:
"The DUP are currently indicating they may vote against the forthcoming budget which will have significant impacts across a wide range of social and economic issues. Increased funding for welfare, for health and education is seen as vital to address the many social issues remaining from years of austerity and financial cuts.
“Of particular concern is the potential impact on funding for the Belfast City Deal. A £1 billion investment package for the Belfast City Region is dependent on the Chancellor agreeing to £450 million being approved in this budget.
“Councillors from the Belfast City region along with council officers and business representatives are due to be in Westminster on the 23rd and 24th of October to lobby for this investment. It would be the height of hypocrisy if DUP Councillors were to travel to London to lobby for more money from a budget their representatives in Westminster intend to vote against."