The Executive has also decided to conduct a comprehensive review to address the longer term approach that should be adopted in relation to financing water and sewerage services. This review will be completed by the autumn.
The decisions were taken at the Executive’s first meeting following the restoration of devolution on 8 May. At the meeting in Stormont Castle Ministers also reviewed public spending priorities for the year ahead, the proposed programme for government and the legislative programme.
The decision not to impose new charges for water and sewerage services in 2007/08 will cost £75m and will come from additional resources which the Executive has received through negotiation with the Chancellor.
The Executive also discussed the detail of the Chancellor’s financial package and his recent Written Ministerial Statement in Parliament. Ministers welcomed the recent opportunities the Executive has had to discuss the needs of the new devolved administration with the Chancellor and the importance of ensuring that it has the resources it needs to address the challenges that lie ahead.
The Chancellor has now confirmed in writing the proposals he has already made but this is not the end of the matter. The new Executive, through the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Finance Minister Peter Robinson, will continue its engagement with the Treasury to ensure that we get the best possible deal.
Pictured at the first meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive are (clockwise) First Minister Rt Hon Ian Paisley MP MLA, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA, Director of Executive Services Rosalie Flanagan, Junior Minister Gerry Kelly MLA, Minister of Education Caitríona Ruane MLA, Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy MP MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey MLA, Minister of Health Social Services and Public Safety Michael McGimpsey MLA, Minister of Culture Arts and Lesiure Edwin Poots MLA, Minister of the Environment Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Nigel Dodds MP MLA, Minister of Finance and Personnel Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA, Junior Minister Ian Paisley Jnr MLA and Secretary to the Executive Nigel Hamilton.
