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The Ireland Question
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Money & public finances✕ No clear answer

What would happen if Northern Ireland had to fund everything itself?

Short answer

It would face a large shortfall. Spending is higher than the tax raised here by billions of pounds a year, so it would need big tax rises, deep spending cuts, or someone else to pay.

What we know Fact

#NAME?

What is still unclear Interpretation

Unity campaigners have not agreed how the gap would be closed, or whether Dublin, the EU or the UK would pay.

Sources

  1. Department of Finance NI: Net Fiscal Balance reports
  2. House of Commons Library: Country and regional public sector finances

Our view Pro-Union

Any plan for change has to answer this question first.

Last checked 4 October 2026 · Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll correct it.