AQW 21765/11-15


Mr Jim Allister KC
Traditional Unionist Voice
North Antrim


Tabled Date: 15/04/2013
Answered On Date: 30/04/2013
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how much the Strategic Investment Board spent on consultants in each year since 2007; and what arrangements are in place for Ministerial approval of recourse to consultants.


Answer:
The Strategic Investment Board expenditure on Consultancy since 2007 is as follows:
Year
2007/2008 £2,323k
2008/2009£1,200k
2009/2010£1,437k
2010/2011£1,500k
2011/2012£1,059k
2012/2013£1,155k (unaudited figures)
SIB receives an annual Ministerial derogation to approve its own consultancy business cases, subject to it maintaining a high standard of business case and financial propriety as assessed by OFMDFM, DFP and internal and external auditors. The annual renewal is subject to our approval on receipt of information on SIB’s consultancy performance in the past year and the projected strategy for the coming year.