ACDP: Statement by Cheryllyn Dudley, African Christian Democratic Party spokesperson, on the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (12/11/2009)

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Published: 12 Nov 2009

ACDP: Statement by Cheryllyn Dudley, African Christian Democratic Party spokesperson, on the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (12/11/2009)

"The ACDP broadly supports the three - year plan which has had to factor in a massive shortfall in tax revenues. We agree Hon Minister that while borrowing now may well be the right thing to do; it is ‘unsustainable in the long-run'.

We recognize, however that the fiscal expansion, and in particular the infrastructure spending has contributed to both long term capacity and short term job creation and we welcome the additional R70, billion over three years, to improve education, health services, the fight against crime, job-creation, social services and infrastructure. Reducing unemployment and addressing poverty must remain our single biggest priority.

The ACDP shares the Minister's concerns that "the outputs and outcomes are lagging the massive investments we are making" and we support government's commitment to reducing wastage and achieving greater savings by departments.

The ACDP will support the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement which is presented against a backdrop of shrinking economic growth, a ballooning budget deficit, and mounting pressure on the new government".