On November 5, continuing the 8th Session, the National Assembly discussed in the hall the implementation of the state budget in 2024, the state budget estimate, and the central budget allocation plan in 2025.
Delegate Cam Ha Chung (National Assembly Delegation of Phu Tho Province) said that according to the submission, the Government has proposed to allow 5% of regular spending savings to implement the policy of eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses. The policy of eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses for the people is very good and appropriate.
However, in the process of implementing this issue, the Government needs to consider. “We proposed to reduce 5% of regular expenditure in 2024, but it is October now. According to regulations, on November 13, the National Assembly will pass this Resolution. Localities have built budget estimates since the beginning of the year, many localities have basically disbursed all. If we cut 5%, where will the locality get the source?” - delegate Cam Ha Chung wondered.
Therefore, delegate Cam Ha Chung suggested that the Government consider this issue and at the same time need to have a more open mechanism. If any locality has the ability to save, then do it, it cannot be required for all localities to be the same. If any locality has used up all the money and is forced to save, then the proposal needs to be considered.
Regarding the management and use of salary reform resources, according to current regulations, localities allocate 70% of increased revenue to implement salary reform.
Delegates said that this leads to many localities having large sources of increased revenue, a lot of surplus but only using 30%, the remaining 70% has no mechanism to use, then it is returned.
This is also a waste of resources. Besides, there are many localities facing difficulties, even without increasing revenue, unable to ensure sources for salary reform.
Therefore, to create motivation to increase revenue, delegate Cam Ha Chung suggested that the Government should balance the central budget capital for localities lacking resources for salary reform.
Explaining and clarifying a number of issues raised by National Assembly delegates at the discussion session in the hall, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc highly appreciated the delegates' contributions.
Regarding the issue of saving regular expenses, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the main savings are in economic activities, urban activities, shopping, business trip expenses, conference receptions, and small purchases.
“As for salaries and salary allowances, it is almost the same, there is no saving. Regular spending on salaries accounts for 45%, the rest is other expenses” - the Deputy Prime Minister clarified.
To reduce regular expenditures, the Government has encouraged ministries, branches and units to reduce business expenses and expenses at conferences, seminars and receptions.
This year, the Government has reported that the whole country has saved about 7,000 billion VND in regular expenditure. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc said that currently, the Government Standing Committee is directing the saving of expenditure in public investment.
