AQW 26855/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 09/05/2025
Answered On Date: 22/05/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance (i) to detail any work being carried out to address the Fiscal Council’s observations on departmental income through fees and charges; and (ii) for his assessment of how transparency can be improved.

Answer:

Whilst each department is responsible for the regular review of their fees and charges, the Executives’ Budget Sustainability Plan included a commitment for the Executive to agree to the regular strategic consideration of income generation measures.

Now that the 2025-26 Final Budget has been agreed officials have commenced substantive work on the Strategic Income Review and will consider information gathered from departments on their income generation measures.

It is expected that this Review will improve the transparency of departmental income, including fees and charges, and will be completed in advance of a multi-year budget being set.