The political uncertainty of the last three years appears to be coming to head – a new Prime Minister may handle the next milestone of 31 October as a break to Brexit negotiations resulting in an immediate exit. While this may end the uncertainty that is damaging investment decisions, it may escalate into a constitutional crisis between Parliament and Government that leads to Government meltdown. We have no administration in Northern Ireland. Might such stasis occur in Westminster too?

Given the context, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) believes that both the Spending Review and the fair funding review should be deferred. Alongside colleagues, we will continue to lobby Government for top-up funding for public services.