Budget under threat – Wilson
Only four executive departments have finalised their budgets even though the overall Stormont budget was agreed last month, UTV can reveal.
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has warned the planned budget consultation is being threatened.
“So far despite the fact the information was supposed to be available before Christmas, only my own department, the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry have published those”, Mr Wilson told UTV.
“I don’t think the consultation can take place in a proper way without that information being made available”, Mr Wilson added.
Mr Wilson described the situation as serious.
“I think for the whole process of scrutiny of government it is very serious.
“People need to know how departments intend to make their savings over the next four years and comment on that.
“The work of the assembly can’t possibly be carried forward until this information is given to assembly committees.”
MLAs and Ministers at Stormont will return from their Christmas break next week.
