…PLP says OBA misunderstands budgets, and financial updates are provided regularly
The timing of the general election means the latest budget, due in February, won’t be tabled until after the next administration is chosen.
At the candidate rollout last week, Gary Foster Skelton asked OBA Leader Jarion Richardson for specifics of what they would do if they won.
Mr Richardson intimated that they must be cautious about promises because there might be something we’re not being told about Government spending.
“One of the things we have to do when we first get in is ascertain the state of the government’s finances”, he said.
“We were well aware that we were going to get audited financial statements going into the budget season. As it stands right now, we don’t have any of that information.”
Shadow Finance Minister Douglas De Couto backed up the party leader.
He said, “the PLP Government has increased the net debt by $106 million over the past two years… that’s why our leader says we need to see what’s in the budget, because what else is in there that we’re not seeing today?”
A PLP spokesperson responded to the OBA below:
“The OBA’s comments reveal a clear misunderstanding of Budgets and finance. The suggestion that the PLP government is withholding information is both unfounded and misleading. Public financial updates are provided regularly, including through the Pre-Budget Report, which outlines the state of Bermuda’s finances and proposed fiscal measures.
“Our commitment to sound public finances has never wavered, that is why Bermuda has its first budget surplus in 21 years. This is due to fair economic policies such as reducing payroll taxes for 86% of workers and every local business while implementing modest increases for high earners. The public needs to remember – the OBA opposed this cut of taxes for 86% of workers – but the PLP delivered tax fairness and a budget surplus.
“The opposition’s comments are just an excuse to hide their lack of concrete plans and Bermudians deserve clarity on their proposals. Whose taxes will they increase…?
“This government remains focused on results: affordable childcare, increased pensions, reducing the cost of living, and expanding healthcare access while reducing co-pays. Those are our plans – that are funded. What are the OBA’s plans?”
