The Committee members stated that the bill (Reg. No7000), submitted by the Cabinet of Ministers, had been drafted in line with the Tax Code and a new version of the Budget Code.
The People´s Deputies pointed out that the bill broadened income composition of the local budgets to improve the interstate relations and strengthen the financial basis of the local budgets for 2011.
The bill envisages social guarantees and financial support of several governmental programs.
The Committee members singled out the positive achievements of the draft Budget for 2011, especially the measures aimed at the solution of pressing social and economic problems.
The bill introduces the State National Program of Reformation and Development of Public-Utility Services Sector for 2009-2014, and the All-Ukrainian programs on the regional development.
The bill raises the rate of maternity grant, financial support of the health resort treatment for people with disabilities (UAH 97 million), financial support of the medical establishments specialized in tuberculosis treatment, AIDS prevention and treatment, and cancer care facilities, expenses for the State Program of Physical Culture and Sports Development for 2007-2011 by UAH 11 million; financial support of the State Housing Program for 2002-2012 by UAH 160,789 million.
However, the Committee members expressed several remarks to the bill. Namely, the People´s Deputies stated that while establishing the rates of social guarantees for 2011, the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine and clause 17 of the Law "On State Social Standards and State Social Guarantees" should have been considered.
The bill sets the social guarantees at the following rates per month:
minimum living wage: since 1 January UAH 894, since 1 April UAH 911, since 1 October UAH 934, since 1 December UAH 953.
minimum wage: since 1 January UAH 941, since 1 April UAH 960, since 1 October UAH 985, since 1 December UAH 1004.
minimum living wage for individuals who lost working capacity: since 1 January UAH 750, since 1 April UAH 764, since 1 October - UAH 784, since 1 December UAH 800.
The Committee suggested revising the living wage rates. The order of calculating the living wage as defined by the bill is claimed to contravene applicable legislation.
The Committee referred all the remarks and proposals to the Committee on Budget.