Northern Ireland ministers finalising a cost-saving budget could take a cut in pay and reduce the use of consultants and quangos, First Minister Peter Robinson said today.
Mr Robinson said the cross-party talks at Stormont must deliver a draft budget before Christmas in the wake of Westminster demands for £4 billion (€4.7 billion) in cuts.
In a speech to the chief executive’s forum in Templepatrick, the DUP leader hinted at the likely shape of a deal.
“On the basis of discussions that have already taken place, I hope that the budget will involve agreements in a whole range of areas, from the use of consultants to the future of quangos, and from the issue of public sector pay to how the Northern Executive can raise new revenue,” he said.
“Final agreement has not yet been reached, but I hope we can make significant progress in the days ahead.”
Mr Robinson said: “I believe that ministers should take a lead by voluntarily giving up 5 to 10 per cent of their ministerial salaries.
“It won’t save much money but it is important that, if ministers are asking others to tighten their belts, they give a lead to the community.”
But he signalled that ministers are poised to reject calls from some commentators for the Executive to introduce water charges, and means-test concessions such as free prescriptions.
“I want us to deliver public services more efficiently, rather than asking people to pay more,” said the First Minister.
“That is why I do not believe that any household should face an above-inflation increase in their rates - regional or district - simply to top up budgets.
“And that is why I do not believe this is the right time to introduce new water charges.
“We should be proud of the fact that this Executive has saved the average household more than £1,300 over this Assembly term and that we have the lowest household taxes anywhere in the UK.”
He added: “Even in difficult economic times, we must not turn the clock back on the advances that we have made in areas such as free prescriptions or free travel for over-60s.”
On public sector employees, he said: “At a time when job opportunities in the private sector are limited, I want to protect jobs in the public sector.
“In the longer term, the private sector must grow compared to the public sector, but job losses in the public sector would result in longer dole queues, rather than more private sector jobs.”
PA