Programme for Government up for consultation

Budget and Programme for Government 2007/2010

The Budget and Programme for Government for 2007-2010 has been announced by OFMDFM and is now available for comment. Voluntary and community organisations will be interested in taking this opportunity to comment on the priorities and programmes set by the NI Executive.

NICVA, in partnership with local community networks across Northern Ireland, has designed a programme of events aimed at providing information to encourage voluntary and community organisations to make the most of this opportunity. People should feel free to come along to one or both sessions.

Morning Session 10.30 – 12.30

Finding your way around the budget

This information session is designed to explain how the budget is developed. It will be useful for anyone thinking about making a submission to the 2007 budget. The sessions will cover:

• Structures of government
• The budget process
• How departmental budgets are set
• Rules governing how departments allocate spend
• Key areas of influence
• Principles of an effective policy submission

Lunch will be available for those attending the afternoon session.

Afternoon Session 1.30 – 4.00

Information and Consultation on the 2007-2010 Budget and Programme for Government.

This will be the formal consultation on the content of the budget and Programme for Government document. It will outline what’s included in the document, NICVAs initial thoughts on the content and provide plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Dates and venues

• Tuesday 4 December, Mount Zion House, 56 Edward St, Lurgan - In partnership with Community Network Craigavon
• Thursday 6 December, St Columbs Park House, Derry - In partnership with North West Community Network
• Monday 10 December, Rural Community Network, Old Town Street, Cookstown - In partnership with Rural Community Network
• Tuesday 11 December, NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast
• Thursday 13 December, Omagh Community House, Omagh - In partnership with FOCUS

To book a place contact Cathy Breslin on 028 90 877 777 or cathy.breslin@nicva.org indicating which venue you want to come to and if you will be coming along in the morning, afternoon, or both.