Today we had a Media briefing to launch the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office in the Old Assembly Chamber, Parliament. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the NCOP gave the context and background to the establishing of a Budget Office in Parliament.
Objective of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure & Related Matters Act - to provide for procedure to amend money bills before Parliament and for norms and standards for amending money bills before provincial legislatures and related matters.
Objective of the Office - to provide independent, objective and professional advice and analyses to Parliament on matters related to the Budget and other money bills.
The Parliamentary Budget office should:
¤Increase budget transparency (Parliament & Civics)
¤Enhance credibility of budget process
¤Increase accountability
¤Ensure discipline in public spending
¤Capacitate Parliament to exercise oversight functions
The bottom line on the Budget Office is that "it will provide the technical assistance members of parliament will need to do their work". The appointment of the Director is not a political appointment but based on technical experience and skill.
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