The Northern Ireland Executive has not agreed a budget for the current financial year. This failure to set spending priorities has drawn criticism from Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood, who described the situation as a shameful indictment.

Eastwood, the MP for Lagan Valley, made the comment in the context of ongoing disputes among Executive parties about funding allocations. She did not specify who she believed was responsible for the impasse.

Without a budget, public services continue to operate but without a formally agreed financial plan. This has consequences for areas such as health and education. People on health waiting lists and pupils in underperforming schools are affected by the lack of clarity over spending.

The Executive's inability to set a budget has been called a failure of its basic function. Critics note that the UK Government would not be able to avoid setting a budget, but Stormont has faced limited consequences for not doing so.

Northern Ireland's system of government has been criticised as a 'toytown parliament' by a TUV MLA. The limited consequences of inaction have been cited as a reason why budget agreements are not reached.

Stormont reform is a priority for many parties, with some calling for changes that would require the Executive to carry out its basic duties or face new elections.