THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET OFFICE

The Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act No.9 of 2009 provides for the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office. Section 15(1) of the Act reads as follows: "There is hereby established a Parliamentary Budget Office headed by a Director, the main objective of which is to provide independent, objective and professional advice and analysis to Parliament on matters related to the budget and other money Bills."

FUNCTIONS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET OFFICE

The core function of the Parliamentary Budget Office is to support the implementation of the Money Bills Act by undertaking research and analysis for the four committees on Finance and Appropriations in the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces, including:

1. Annually providing reviews and analysis of the documentation tabled in Parliament by the Executive in terms of this Act;
2. Providing advice and analysis on proposed amendments to the fiscal framework, the Division of Revenue Bill and money Bills, and on policy proposals with budgetary implications;
3. Monitoring and synthesising matters and reports tabled and adopted in a House with budgetary implications, with particular emphasis on reports by other committees;
4. Keeping abreast of policy debates and developments in key expenditure and revenue areas;
5. Monitoring and reporting on potential unfunded mandates arising out of legislative, policy or budgetary proposals; and
6. Undertaking any other work deemed necessary by the Director to support the implementation of this Act.

Contact Details:
Parliamentary Budget Office
4th Floor
Parliament Towers
103 - 107 Plein Street
Cape Town
8001
Tel: +27 21 403 2360
Fax: +27 21 403 3153
Fax to Mail: +27 86 718 2531
Email: pboinfo@parliament.gov.za

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