DUE to government action spending has been reduced further and faster than previously planned, The Treasury has said.

A statement from the department reveals:

"*We have achieved further savings of £25 million in addition to the £26m delivered last year

*Spending is £11 million below last year's rebalancing plan

*Staff costs are £26 million (eight per cent) below the 2011-12 projected level and £9 million below last year's actual Budget.

*Staffing was reduced by 99 posts last year. There will be a further reduction of 285 posts. Therefore the reduction over two years will be 384 posts.

"In addition to these savings we have accommodated:

*Gross spending on benefits of £248 million, £10 million (four per cent) higher than last year, including £141 million on the state pension and pension supplement.

*Net spending on health up by £7.5 million (6.5 per cent) after adjusting for the transfer of shared services functions.

*A capital programme of £101.8 million for government departments and statutory boards.

*£67 million of construction schemes including £21.2 million to be spent in the local authorities' housing programme"