Development funding for all seven People’s National Movement (PNM)-controlled municipal corporations has been reduced in the 2027 Budget, with their combined allocation falling by $49.55 million, or 61 per cent, compared with the original provisions for fiscal 2026.
The seven United National Congress (UNC)-controlled corporations collectively face a substantially smaller reduction of $3.063 million, or approximately 1.6 per cent, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Draft Estimates of Development Programme Expenditure for 2027.
The disparity extends to drainage and irrigation, as well as local roads and bridges, with combined funding for both programmes declining sharply across PNM-controlled corporations.
Together, the seven PNM councils will receive $31.62 million in development funding, down from $81.17 million originally allocated for fiscal 2026. UNC-controlled corporations will receive $187.4 million, compared with $190.463 million.
Across all 14 corporations, the combined allocation falls from $271.633 million to $219.02 million. PNM-controlled councils account for approximately 94.2 per cent of that $52.613 million reduction.
Development allocations fund projects including drainage, local roads and bridges, recreational facilities, markets, municipal buildings and equipment. (See page 7)
Diego Martin faces the steepest percentage reduction, with its allocation falling from $11.1 million to $2.22 million, an 80 per cent decrease.
San Fernando records the largest dollar reduction, losing $14.75 million, as its allocation drops from $18.55 million to $3.8 million, a decrease of approximately 79.5 per cent.
Point Fortin’s allocation falls from $5.55 million to $2 million, while Arima’s declines from $5.6 million to $2.5 million.
San Juan/Laventille’s allocation is halved, from $19 million to $9.5 million. Tunapuna/Piarco receives $9 million, down from $17.27 million, while Port of Spain receives $2.6 million, compared with $4.1 million.
The allocations also show particularly steep reductions in drainage funding.
Combined drainage and irrigation provisions for PNM-controlled corporations fall from $23.8 million to $6.155 million, a reduction of approximately 74.1 per cent.
Diego Martin’s provision drops from $5.5 million to $400,000, a 92.7 per cent decrease. San Fernando’s falls from $5.5 million to $800,000, while Tunapuna/Piarco’s declines from $5.5 million to $1.5 million.
San Juan/Laventille receives $2.175 million for drainage, down from $5.5 million. Arima’s provision falls from $1 million to $400,000.
Point Fortin is an exception, receiving an increase from $300,000 to $400,000 despite its overall development allocation falling.
Combined local roads and bridges funding for PNM-controlled corporations declines from $16.7 million to $8 million, a reduction of approximately 52.1 per cent.
San Fernando’s provision falls from $5 million to $840,000. Tunapuna/Piarco’s drops from $5 million to $2.3 million, while San Juan/Laventille’s declines from $5 million to $3 million.
Port-of-Spain and Arima retain $500,000 each for that programme. Point Fortin’s provision increases from $200,000 to $460,000.
Among UNC-controlled corporations, the overall picture is mixed.
Sangre Grande’s development allocation falls from $18 million to $10 million, a reduction of 44.4 per cent. Chaguanas receives $37.9 million, down marginally from $37.96 million.
Siparia gains $4.95 million, taking its allocation to $26 million. Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo and Mayaro/Rio Claro retain allocations of $19 million and $18.85 million, respectively. Penal/Debe and Princes Town receive small increases.
Combined drainage funding across UNC-controlled corporations falls from $52 million to $45.75 million, a reduction of approximately 12 per cent.
Their local roads and bridges funding, however, increases from $41 million to $68.85 million, or approximately 67.9 per cent. Chaguanas receives $15 million, up from $7 million, while Penal/Debe’s provision rises from $7 million to $10.5 million.
This is the second successive budget in which PNM-controlled corporations face funding reductions. Guardian Media reported cuts to their operational and recurrent allocations in Budget 2026.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has alleged political discrimination and called for Government to publish its allocation criteria.
Questions on the rationale for the cuts were sent to Urban Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, who acknowledged receipt but had not responded by press time.
