Spending restraint needed for foreseeable future - English
Further public sector restraint on way, says Finance Minister Bill English.
Ongoing spending discipline and higher than expected corporate tax revenue have helped keep the government's finances on track at a time of heightened global uncertainty, Finance Minister Bill English says.
Government spending, tax revenue and net debt were all slightly lower than expected in the Crown accounts for the four months to 31 October issued today, contributing to a operating deficit before gains and losses of $3.36 billion. The variances - due to timing issues - are expected to reduce in coming months.
"The Government is keeping a tight lid on spending and that will need to continue into the foreseeable future so we can return to surplus as quickly as possible in a highly uncertain global environment. We are tracking towards the forecast $10.8 billion deficit for the year to 30 June, 2012 – down from over $18 billion last year. This is forecast to more than halve to $4.4 billion next year, before returning to surplus in 2014/15," Mr English says.
"While the outlook for Europe has deteriorated since the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update, the local economy is continuing to grow, with higher than forecast corporate tax revenue.
"But getting back to surplus won't be easy. In many ways, restraint in the public sector has only just started," Mr English says.
NBR staff
Mon, 05 Dec 2011
Mon, 05 Dec 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Spending restraint needed for foreseeable future - English
18125