Outcomes of regular Western Cape Cabinet meeting – Alan Winde – POLITICS

On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, Premier Alan Winde chaired a regular meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet.

Western Cape Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and Municipal Economic Review and Outlook

Premier Winde and Cabinet noted the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and Municipal Economic Review and Outlook, which was tabled by provincial Minister of Finance, Deidré  Baartman, on 26 November 2024.

“The Western Cape is navigating a challenging fiscal climate characterised by budget cuts and significant fiscal pressures. Since 2021 (the last 4 annual budgets), the Western Cape’s equitable share (PES) has been reduced by R8.4 billion. The PES formula must be reassessed, not just for this province, but for all provinces. But our province in particular is not receiving its fair share of the national budget. At the same time, the province’s population continues to grow, in turn increasing service delivery demands at a time when our budgets are under incredible strain,” said Premier Winde, adding, “but I commend Minister Baartman and Provincial Treasury for the hard work they have put into ensuring fiscal discipline and stability. We still face immense challenges and must continue to carefully navigate our way through them. This will include pushing ahead with our efforts to ensure our province and its residents receive their fair share of the national budget. With 75% of additional provincial funding going towards protecting frontline services, we are showing that even in difficult economic times, we still prioritise the needs of our residents and departments that deliver critical services.”