The 2016 Budget: Government's Action Plan |
Before concluding, Honourable Speaker, allow me to return to the main elements of the 2016 Budget, our spending plans and their contribution to growth and broadening development.
Our approach is to build on our strengths, directly address weaknesses and be bold where new initiatives are needed.
| • | The budget framework brings forward our fiscal consolidation, reducing the budget deficit to 2.4 per cent by 2018/19. |
| • | Taxes are raised moderately, across a broad base, while limiting the impact on lower-income families. |
| • | Personnel spending has been curtailed and cost containment measures are reinforced. |
| • | Expenditure growth is focused on post-school education and training, economic infrastructure, social protection and health services. |
Business support and empowerment
Basic education and early childhood education
Defence, public order and safety
Provincial expenditure management
Municipal financial management
Investment in cities and urban networks