Research Papers 2011
Synopsis: Here you will find a list of Committee for Finance and Personnel research papers published during 2011.
Economic Briefing: March 2011
- Date: 22/03/2011 - Author: Dr. Jodie Carson
This paper summarises current economic conditions in Northern Ireland. It provides an overview of a range of economic indicators, including current growth projections, labour market and property market conditions, as well as the outlook for inflation / interest rates. Key data and messages are presented upfront in the Summary to provide an ‘at a glance’ synopsis of the NI economy.
Final Budget 2011-15
- Date: 07/03/2011 - Author: Colin Pidgeon
This paper provides a brief update to Assembly Research Briefing Note 04/11 Draft Budget 2011-15. The final budget allocations presented today by the Minister of Finance are shown in real terms. A comparison with the allocations in the draft budget is also included.
Update: Comparative Car and Home Insurance Costs in NI
- Date: 01/03/2011 - Author: Dr Jodie Carson
A previous Research and Library Service Research Paper (October 2010) considered comparative car insurance costs across the UK. The analysis indicated that the cost of car insurance appeared to be relatively high in Northern Ireland (NI). This paper provides an interim update on the ongoing research being undertaken to assess whether this apparent cost differential represents price discrimination, or whether it is in fact reflective of higher costs and/or risks associated with transacting car insurance business in NI.
Scrutiny procedures for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and National Assembly for Wales Commission budget proposals
- Date: 23/02/2011 - Author: Colin Pidgeon
This briefing note is to support consideration by the Committee for Finance and Personnel of the practices and procedures used for agreeing the budget of the legislatures in Scotland and Wales. Practices in other Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries are also reported.
Economic Impact of Cuts in Annually Managed Expenditure
- Date: 27/01/2011 - Author: Dr. Jodie Carson
This paper considers the potential economic impacts of the impending cuts to Annually Managed Expenditure in Northern Ireland. It is shown that there is evidence to indicate that the Coalition Government’s plans in respect of welfare reform are regressive , and will have a particularly detrimental impact upon families with children.
Preventative Spending
- Date: 19/01/2011 - Author: Gareth Brown
This paper examines the case for early intervention strategies which are designed to reduce the demand for more expensive intervention or treatment at a later date.
Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Bill
- Date: 13/01/2011 - Author: Dr. Jodie Carson
This paper provides an overview and discussion of the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Bill.
Draft Budget 2011-15
- Date: 12/01/2011 - Author: Colin Pidgeon
This paper presents a critical evaluation of the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft Budget 2011-15. Some procedural questions are highlighted and a number of issues for further clarification are presented.
Options for strategic budget stages
- Date: 05/10/2011 - Author: Colin Pidgeon
This paper builds upon previous research which identified good practice requirements for two formal stages to be built into the Northern Ireland budget process. The first part of the paper looks at options for a strategic budget stage prior to the draft budget. The approaches taken in Scotland and Wales are considered. The second part of the paper presents options for strategic review of the budget during execution.
