Sir David Varney launches
call for evidence to inform his further review of the Northern
Ireland economy
HM TREASURY News
Release (HM TREASURY ON BEHALF OF VARNEY REVIEW) issued by The
Government News Network on 29 January 2008
VARNEY REVIEW of
the COMPETITIVENESS of NORTHERN IRELAND
Following the publication of Sir David Varney's Review of
tax policy in Northern Ireland on 17 December, Sir David has been
asked by the Chancellor to conduct a further review of the
Northern Ireland economy, building on his recent work and focusing
on identifying measures to promote private sector investment and
enhance competitiveness in Northern Ireland.
The Terms of Reference of this review are:
"Building on Sir David's earlier analysis and agreement
from all parties about the unique circumstances of Northern
Ireland (in relation to the opportunities provided by the peace
process, the need to strengthen the private sector, to create
increased employment opportunities and to reform the public
sector) this review will explore in more detail how to expand the
private sector and to enhance Northern Ireland's
competitiveness. In this context, the review will look at
incentives for supporting the sustainable growth of businesses,
investment and employment in Northern Ireland and the implications
for reducing the historic dependency on the public sector. This
will include examination of incentives for growth in Northern
Ireland that fall within the responsibility of the Northern
Ireland Executive and the UK Government"
As part of the review, Sir David will be seeking views from as
many stakeholders as possible, in Northern Ireland, Great Britain
and the Republic of Ireland. The review team is looking for
evidence on the particular challenges and opportunities for the
Northern Ireland economy.
The full review Call for Evidence can be accessed at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/northernirelandcompetitivenessreview
Sir David will aim to report in good time for the US Investment
Conference, which is likely to take place in early May. In order
to support such a timetable, the Call for Evidence will therefore
last for four weeks and will close on 25 February 2008. Sir David
would be grateful for responses as soon as possible, however, to
help inform the review's work.
Submissions should be sent to the review team by 25 February
2008. These should be sent, ideally by e-mail, to
nireland.competitiveness@hm-treasury.gov.uk or if by post to:
Varney Review of the Compeitiveness of Northern Ireland
Room
1/E1
HM Treasury
1 Horse Guards Road
SW1A 2HQ
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. On 17 December 2007 Sir David Varney was asked to carry out a
review of the Northern Ireland economy, focusing on identifying
measures to promote private sector investment and enhance
competitiveness in Northern Ireland. This followed his review of
Tax Policy in Northern Ireland, which examined the case for a
differential rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland, as well
as other business tax issues.
2. Sir David's previous review of Tax Policy was
commissioned in March 2007 and published on 17 December 2007. It
can be found at the Treasury's website:
* The Varney review
3. Biography of Sir David Varney:
Sir David advises the Prime Minister on public service
transformation, chairing the cross- Whitehall service delivery
council. He was Chairman of HM Revenue & Customs from its
establishment in April 2005 to the end of August 2006, and before
that he was Chairman of MM02, the leading mobile
telecommunications company, since its creation in May 2001. He was
previously Chief Executive Officer of BG Group (formerly British
Gas) and he has held a variety of senior roles in Shell. He was
also chairman of Business in the Community from 2002 to 2004.
4. Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury
Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558, or by e-mail to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk.
5. This press release and other Treasury publications and
information are available on the Treasury website. If you would
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site on the website.
Sir David Varney,
Room 1/E1, HM Treasury,
1 Horse Guards
Road,
London SW1A 2HQ