29/09/2010

Exchequer Cuts To Be 'Careful'

NI's budget share from the UK Exchequer will be reduced by £2bn over four years. That's the bad news emanating from yesterday's meeting between the First and Deputy First Ministers and the Chancellor, George Osborne in London.

However, the 'better news' is that Stormont boss, Peter Robinson said they had put the case for NI to be treated with special care, particularly in relation to cuts in capital spending.

Martin McGuinness also said the British Chancellor had agreed to show flexibility in dealing with Northern Ireland, despite Mr Osborne's anticipated 'severe cuts' to public spending on 20 October.

The Executive Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has long predicted the local budget could lose as much as £2bn over the next four years and has called for contingency plans to be put in place. See: Wilson Sounds Stormont Budget Warning

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 September 2010
Wilson Sounds Stormont Budget Warning
Ahead of new month's UK Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) - that could mean a cut of up to £2bn in the NI budget - it has emerged that an alleged failure by some Stormont ministers to cooperate with the Finance Minister's plans may delay the publication of his own draft budget.
22 November 2010
Fianna 'Failed' The Irish People
After weeks of speculation, the Irish Government has formerly applied for an economic rescue package from Europe. Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan on Saturday night confirmed Europe agreed to the opening of formal negotiations to allow Ireland to seek financial assistance.
24 May 2010
Cuts To Cost NI Further £128m
Further cuts are to be made in NI's already reduced spending budget.
23 February 2005
Brown sets March 16 date for Budget
Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced that he will deliver his next Budget to the House of Commons on March 16. The Budget speech will be delivered at 12:30 GMT, just after Prime Minister's Question Time.
25 March 2011
Lower Corporation Tax For NI
Members of the Northern Ireland Executive are set to meet with UK Treasury officials to outline proposals to overhaul corporation tax in Northern Ireland. The launch of a consultation document will give the Assembly power to vary the rate levied on businesses.