Government of Jamaica

Public Expenditure

The Public Expenditure Division which became functional in October 2001, manages the functions of the former Budget Division and the operational aspects of the former Financial Management Division.

The Public Expenditure (PEX) Division (formerly the Budget Division) has been restructured to improve public expenditure management. The new Division, which became functional in October 2001, manages the functions of the former Budget Division and the operational aspects of the former Financial Management Division (now the Public Expenditure and Policy Coordination Division).

In addition the functions previously undertaken by the Project Analysis and Monitoring Company (PAMCo.) have been transferred to this division with the establishment of a Projects Branch.

The operations that were transferred are banking and revenue, monitoring compliance with the Financial Administration Audit Act and the analysis of internal audit reports and financial statements.

Mission

To ensure that the financial resources of the Government are allocated and used in the most efficient manner, and on a basis which reflects the Government’s priorities and accords to high standards of accountability and transparency.

Services Provided

Planning and Preparation of Budget
Provision of Warrants

Functions

Reviewing budget proposals to ensure that:
- the requests reflect the priorities outlined in the Corporate Plans of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that their draft budget proposals adhere to directives outlined in the budget call;
- each activity/project appropriately identifies the nature of the expenditure to be undertaken.
Advising on the likely budget needs of MDAs in a manner which supports the efficient allocation of resources and on a basis which reflects national and sectoral priorities;
Prepare camera-ready documents required for the printing of:
- Estimates of Expenditure
- Supplementary Estimates
- Financial Statements and Revenue Estimates
- Other publications relating to budget, for e.g. the Budget Memorandum
Representing the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service at Project Review Committee, Sector Committee, and Expenditure Review Committee Meetings both in advisory and participatory roles;
Monitoring progress of locally and internationally funded projects in order to determine physical status, reviewing against projected physical and financial targets and recommending budgetary adjustments where appropriate;
Monitoring recurrent expenditure performance to determine trends/variances that impact on the budget;
Providing guidance to MDAs in developing cash flows with corresponding implementation plans;
Analysing and recommending requests for virement and additional provision (where policy direction dictates and resources for ensuing years are not being committed).
Liaising with the Jamaica Printing Services Ltd. for the printing of the Annual Estimates of Expenditure, the Supplementary Estimates and the Financial Statements and Revenue Estimates;
Analysing cash flow and implementation plans to ensure that the demand for cash coincides with states of readiness for implementation of the projects
Making recommendations on the quarterly/monthly cash flow requirements for both capital and recurrent budgets;
Representing the Ministry of Finance and Public Service at local seminars, workshops and meetings to discuss proposals having budgetary implications.

Units and Sections

To achieve its objectives, the Division is divided into six (6) Units namely:

Production Unit (PU)

The Production Unit seeks to provide the resources to particular MDAs, which stimulate production, as well as promote and protect Jamaica’s interest abroad and improve foreign relations and foreign trade. This Unit is responsible for the budgets of the Ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries; Industry, Investment and Commerce; Tourism; Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade as well as the Forestry Department.

Machinery of State Unit (MoSU)

The Machinery of State Unit seeks to allocate resources to meet the nation’s security and justice systems requirements, and the MDAs responsible for the machinery of state. This unit is responsible for the budgets of the Ministries of National Security; Justice and Departments; Finance and the Public Service and Departments; Office of the Prime Minister and Departmetns; Office of the Cabinet and Departments; and the Office of the Prime Minister (Local Government). The Unit also has responsible for the unattached Departments.

Projects Branch

The Projects Branch is responsible for assisting Ministries in the preparation, analysis and monitoring of capital projects.

Social Infrastructure Unit (SIU)

The Social Infrastructure Unit focuses on the provision of resources for social infrastructure e.g. health, education and social welfare, to aid in the development of human capital. This Unit is responsible for the budgets of the Ministries of Health; Education; Labour and Social Security and Youth, Sport and Culture.

Physical Infrastructure Unit (PIU)

ThePhysical Infrastructure Unit seeks to provide resources to MDAs to enable improvements in the physical infrastructure of the country e.g. roads, public utilities, transportation and housing. This Unit is responsible for the budgets of the Ministries of Transport and Works and the National Works Agency; Energy and Mining and Water and Housing.

Cash Management Unit (CMU)

The Cash Management Unit has responsibility for managing the resources of government to ensure that cash outflows are kept within the limits of available resources; and that essential services and priority activities receive sufficient funds to maintain operations at appropriate levels. The Unit seeks to ensure that financial resources are allocated in keeping with Government’s priorities and are managed effectively, according to high standards of probity, accountability and transparency.