Tough choices ahead – Wilson

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has spoken of the tough choices that will face the public sector as it deals with a more constrained financial environment.

The Minister was speaking at the Northern Ireland Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy annual conference in Newcastle. The conference, ‘Tough times – delivering customer value in a challenging world’, was attended by delegates from a full range of local public sector bodies.

Speaking of the challenges ahead, the Minister said: “We will need to maintain, improve and deliver public services in a very different environment. Tough choices lie ahead and achieving value for money will be key. We will have to show flexibility and be innovative in our approach to managing resources.

“As taxpayers, we want to see that our money is being used prudently. We want to see unnecessary cost taken out and we want more delivered with less.”

The Minister told delegates of the expected slowdown in public sector expenditure growth over the coming years and how that would affect the local economy.

Mr Wilson said: “This will have a negative impact on Northern Ireland as annual public expenditure is equivalent to some two thirds of our total regional Gross Value Added (GVA). That is why the Executive must remain committed to delivering its first priority within the Programme for Government, growing the Northern Ireland economy.”

The Minister also highlighted recent public sector reform projects that are helping to reduce the cost of public services and improve delivery.

In conclusion, the Minister said: “There is no doubt that these are challenging times for both the public and private sector.

“I welcome this challenge and I am convinced that if we work together we will emerge in good shape, with a more streamlined, efficient and professional public sector.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the professional body for people in public finance. It has 14,000 members who work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed. It is the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services.
2. The theme of this year’s annual CIPHA Northern Ireland Conference was, ‘Tough times – delivering customer value in a challenging world.’
3. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
4. A picture from the event can be obtained from the DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 27375.