Taipei, Jan. 26 (CNA) The Cabinet said Tuesday that it will accept an agreed reduction of the government's proposed 2021 budget by NT$25.5 billion (US$910.13 million), after the ruling and opposition parties in the Legislature reached a consensus during their ongoing negotiation.

The lawmakers, led by Speaker You Si-kun of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), agreed last Friday to cuts totaling NT$25.5 billion, or around 1.18 percent of the total NT$2.1615 trillion in planned expenditures.

In comparison to the Cabinet's proposal, the lawmakers' planned budget contains 20 percent less for public relations by government agencies, 5 percent less for subsidies to local governments, and 3 percent less for spending on military equipment and facilities.

The cuts agreed by the parties in negotiation also include 40 percent less for trips to China, 5 percent less for overseas trips and training, as well as 5 percent less for outsourcing government projects.

Under the Cabinet's original budget proposal for the 2021 fiscal year, government spending was set at NT$2.1615 trillion, up NT$83.9 billion or roughly 4 percent from last year, while projected revenues fell NT$62 billion or 2.9 percent to NT$2.045 trillion.

In a statement on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary-General Li Meng-yen said the government has agreed to the cuts in the interest of quickly passing the budget.

Li, however, acknowledged that the 20 percent cut in public relations spending across all ministries and government agencies will impact their ability to deliver information to the public.

On Monday, DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) said he hopes the Legislature will pass the budget on Friday before the ongoing extraordinary session concludes on Sunday.

All issues that cannot be agreed across party lines will be put to a vote of the full Legislature, he said.