They say they have heard the message that they must get expenditure under control before raising taxes.The cuts will be required ‘across the board’ and Finance president Senator Terry Le Sueur says no committee will be immune from consideration.The announcement has been described as ‘encouraging’ by one of the organisers of ‘Black Tuesday’, the anti-Budget protest.Finance’s proposals would reduce public spending in 2005 from £472m to £452m and wipe out next year’s projected budget deficit.’The public have made it abundantly clear that in the first instance they expect deficits to be addressed through improvements in efficiency and cuts in non-essential services rather than tax increases,’ said Senator Le Sueur.
‘My committee agrees absolutely with this message.’These spending targets are extraordinarily tough, but provided all States Members are truly committed to controlling public expenditure, my committee believe they are achievable.’The committee have not identified where the cuts will be made – that will be a job for the committee presidents who are due to meet on Friday to discuss 2005 expenditure.And Senator Le Sueur is clearly determined to put pressure on his colleagues to deliver.’Finance cannot do this alone, we need the support of our colleagues.
If we can work together and achieve it, that’s good for the States and good for the Island.’If we cannot, the presidents will have to accept the fact that that decision will lead to a rise in taxation.
Faced with that choice, I am sure they will do all they can to reduce spending,’ said Senator Le Sueur.Finance are looking for cuts both from the revenue budget – day-to-day department spending – and from the capital budget which covers major building works.And although Senator Le Sueur says essential services will be given priority, he insists all committees must consider their level of spending.
