6. Budget reductions. The Committee notes the directive to all government departments to reduce baseline allocations by 1% in 2012/13, 2% in 2013/14 and 3% in 2014/15 respectively through 'savings'. In the case of the Justice Vote, this is a reduction in the baseline of R1 billion over the medium term. Although the Committee is sensitive to the broader context that informs the directive, blind application of the directive, giving insufficient weight to the circumstances in which justice services are rendered, is likely to undermine effective and efficient delivery. Specifically, the main cost driver for the Vote is personnel, which - as observed - leaves little room for trimmings.