TUV comments on Comprehensive Spending Review
20 October 2010
Statement by TUV Economics spokesman David Vance:
“After years of Labour profligacy, the UK needs to restore fiscal probity and so TUV recognises the need to balance the books. It is also useful to realise that the actual cuts to public spending announced constitute an actual 4.2% reduction over the next five years, not quite the Armageddon some are claiming. Northern Ireland needs to deal with the planned cuts in a sensible way and TUV advocates five simple ideas that can deliver deficit reduction and actually protect vital jobs.
1. Expensive North-South Bodies costing £100m per annum must go. This will yield Half a Billion Pounds in savings over the next five years, a massive contribution.
2. Northern Ireland’s Quangos cannot be afforded any longer and it is time that they too were thrown on the financial bonfire. This will save further millions, as will curbing squander on overuse of consultants.
3. TUV would seek to provide a shield to people in low paid jobs by insisting that a pay ceiling of £100,000 must be accepted by Management before any jobs cuts are even considered.
4. All abuse of Welfare, including DLA, needs to be scrutinised as a priority and offenders weeded out.
5. Bloated costs of Government here need to end. Cutting 108 MLA’s down to 60, reducing their expenses and their generous allowances would also make a meaningful contribution.
“Northern Ireland can emerge from these cuts leaner and more efficient if we show positive political leadership combined with fiscal responsibility.”
