8.6% Increase in Executive spend last year

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has revealed that there was a growth in spending by local Government Departments of 8.6% last year, equating to over £863million additional investment.

The Minister was speaking today as he presented the Provisional Outturn figures for the 2009-10 financial year, detailing the level of spend over the course of the year.

The figures confirmed total investment in public services of almost £11billion in 2009-10.

The Minister said: "This increase of 8.6% on last year has been achieved despite the increasingly difficult economic climate in which we have been operating and represents the highest ever investment levels achieved locally.

"This figure included an increased spend of 16.3% in current expenditure for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, reflecting the Executive’s commitment to front line services."

Gross capital investment increased by 0.5% to just under £1.7billion representing the continuing investment the Executive is making in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure with net capital investment remaining at £1.5billion, reflecting a significant increase in the level of capital receipts achieved by departments despite continuing concerns over the downturn in the property market.

The Minister continued: "This strong performance, which sees 99.3% of the available budget being spent, has been made possible by the proactive management of the public expenditure position by the Department of Finance and Personnel, along with improved financial management in Northern Ireland departments.

“It builds on the achievements in 2008-09, and highlights the vast improvement in spending performance under devolution compared to Direct Rule, when, for example, almost £380million of resources were left unspent at the end of 2005-06.

“The record levels of capital investment, for example, have allowed the construction of major projects such as the new Foyle & Londonderry College, redevelopment at the Ulster Hospital, construction of the A20 Southern Distributor Road in Newtownards and over £153million funding for new build housing.

“There are, of course, challenging times ahead, and the Executive must continue to work together to deliver against the plans set out in the budget and the Programme for Government.”

Notes to editors:

1. Although the final Outturn position is available later in the year, the expenditure declared at Provisional Outturn is the main basis for assessing the performance of NI departments. There is not expected to be a significant difference between the Provisional and Final Outturn for position for most departments.
2. Provisional outturn figures for 2009/10 can be viewed on the DFP website
3. Please note the following acronyms:
   AOCC: assembly Ombudsman/ Commissioner of Complaints
   FSA: Food Standards Agency
   NIA: Northern Ireland Assembly
   NIAUR: NI Authority for Utility Regulation
   NIAO: Northern Ireland Audit Office
4. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.