Finance Minister has launched a new website
aimed at helping the public better understand how government is
funded.
Speaking at the Fiscal Council conference in Belfast the Minister
said: “Transparent financial data enables a better public
understanding of government expenditure, helping to build trust
and accountability. I'm pleased therefore to launch a new
website today which provides the public a clearer view of the
cost of delivering public services here, and where their money
goes.
“Good financial information is critical for informing
public debate and can support and guide the difficult decisions
needed to manage a constrained budget and ultimately help shape a
more sustainable future for all. The Fiscal Council have worked
closely with departmental and NISRA colleagues on this important
resource.
“More broadly, the Fiscal Council has also played a vital
role in providing an independent examination of our public
expenditure position and level of relative need, which has
assisted my Department in making the case to Treasury for fairer
funding for public services.
“Given the important role of the Fiscal Council, my
Department is progressing legislation to establish the body on a
statutory basis to underpin its work.
“We are now developing a Budget Improvement Plan, setting
out both short- term and long-term actions to strengthen the
budget-setting process which will help shape future budgets,
ensuring resources are allocated transparently and
effectively.
“This underscores our determination to make every pound
count—focusing limited resources on what matters most, and
advancing our vision of a fairer, more prosperous
society."
NISRA Chief Executive Philip Wales added: “Today's release helps
to improve transparency around the public spending of Executive
Departments: strengthening our understanding of our fiscal
position.
“The new online resources present the information in a
user-friendly and accessible format, making it easier for
everyone to understand how government funding is used to deliver
key public services.”
Notes to editors
1. The Northern Ireland Executive spending website is available
at https://www.nisra.gov.uk/statistics/business-economy-and-trade/ni-executive-spending
