NI ministers to set out spending plans

Ministers in the North are to set out their plans on spending for the next three years if proposals being considered today are…

Ministers in the North are to set out their plans on spending for the next three years if proposals being considered today are accepted.

The outline of official objectives may be extended in line with the Comprehensive Spending Review detailing how money from the Exchequer can be used.

Ministers are dealing with issues such as water charges, which are costing £75 million to delay this year, and a review of the rating system announced by Finance Minister Peter Robinson last week.

A three-year Programme for Government will need to take into account those priorities.

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The DUP's Nigel Dodds will tomorrow seek support for a £25 million bid for lottery funding for the new "Titanic Quarter". Campaigners need to raise up to £100 million to complete the Titanic Signature Project, which envisages a marina, parkland, hotels, restaurants and other visitor attractions.

Total costs have been estimated at around $70 million and advocates of the scheme want the work completed by 2011 in time for the centenary of the Titanic'slaunch.

Construction would transform a largely derelict 185-acre part of the Lagan riverside, which has been in decline since the end of the major ship-building days at Harland and Wolff.

A shake-up of local councils will also be discussed, centring on what powers the smaller number of local authorities should have.

The Government has advocated a seven-council model which is opposed by all parties except Sinn Féin. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie of the SDLP is also expected to put forward proposals on affordable housing.