Northern Ireland Executive agrees 2015/2016 budget

Three of the five executive parties voted against the budget

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed a budget for 2015/2016.

However, three of the parties, the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance all voted against.

It was passed with a majority of 9-4, with support from the DUP and Sinn Féin. The budget will be officially unveiled in the assembly on Monday.

It is understood that more money has been found for protecting frontline health and education services.

Meanwhile, it is understood that the executive is to give several million pounds to Department for Regional Development for street lighting and also money to help save Ulster Orchestra in the January monitoring round.