An attempt to boost small businesses will be revealed this morning in David Burt’s first Budget.

Sources said that the Premier and Minister of Finance would announce a plan to make it easier for smaller companies to compete for government contracts.

A source added that the Government will use its buying power to increase equal opportunities “with regard to disability gender and race”.

They said about 20 per cent of capital spending would go towards companies that met the new criteria, expected to be enshrined in a code of conduct for government contracts.

The move is designed to give firms — who were in the past beaten on bids by larger companies able to deploy economies of scale — a chance to win government business.

In addition, it was reported last night that the Ministry of Education and Workforce Development would get a $6 million boost to its budget.

Education, which is in the spotlight because of a shortfall in attainment levels, is predicted to get more than $140 million.

The news came as Mr Burt prepared to deliver the Budget today. He will begin with the minister’s traditional walk from the Government Administration Building to the House of Assembly at 9.40am.

The Royal Gazette will cover highlights of the day online and publish the full 2018-19 Budget when it becomes available.

Dennis Lister, Speaker of the House of Assembly, has also given permission for part of the House sitting to be shown live on the Government of Bermuda’s social media page.

Mr Lister has made the same offer to Jeanne Atherden, the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister of Finance, for the Reply to the Budget to be aired live next Friday.

He added: “I encourage all Bermudians to log on and watch the proceedings from the House.

“I welcome feedback from the general public as we work to make the proceedings of the House of Assembly accessible to all.”

The live feed will be shown on the Government’s Facebook page.