The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO)

HISTORY
The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) is an independent fiscal office providing objective, timely, and non-partisan budgetary and economic analysis to support the legislature (Parliamentary Committees, and Parliamentarians) in enhancing their oversight and other legislative work. Established in 2017 under Section 13(1) of the Parliamentary Service Act of 2007, the PBO followed study visits to the Parliaments of Uganda and Ghana, supported by the United Nations Development Programme. At the formative stage, it was part of the Parliamentary Finance Directorate, which transitioned to a stand-alone unit with a Deputy Director as head of unit in early 2021. In May 2021, the PBO was approved as a functional department. Section 30 of the Parliament Act 2023 enlists the PBO as a specialized office with detailed duties, autonomy, reporting responsibility, etc., all provided for in sections 36-42 of the same act,

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Referencing Section 36 (1) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2023, the PBO performs the following functions:
1. Assist Parliament in providing effective oversight over fiscal policy measures on the economy with the principal aim of improving the quality of debates and laws enacted;
2. provide professional services in respect of budget, finance and economic information to Parliamentary committees and Members of Parliament and engage them on same when necessary;
3. prepare reports on budgetary projections, economic forecasts, and other specific subjects relevant to Parliament and make Proposals to Committees of Parliament
4. review and recommend to relevant Committees of Parliament the findings on budget proposals and economic forecasts; including financial risks posed by government Policies and activities to guide Parliament;
5. undertake money bills determination and costing;
6. propose where necessary an alternative fiscal framework in respect of the financial year;
7. support Committees and Members of Parliaments in the national budget process, and in enhancing the financial autonomy of Parliament and services as technical lead in the preparation of the Parliamentary Budget;
8. produce reports on the implementation of the state budget using secondary data;
9. simplifying financial proposals, policies, bills and other related documents for easy understanding of Members of Parliament and Committees;
10. undertake any other work deemed necessary by the Director to support the achievement of the mandate of the Budget Office.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE:
The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) is headed by a Director, who is supported by a Deputy Director and Principal Officers, who constitute the office's leadership.

OUR CORE VALUES:
OUR CORE VALUES: Independence - Our work is free from political influence. (Representing balance) Transparency - We are open and accountable in all our activities. Non-Partisanship - Our analyses are objective and unbiased. Expertise - We deliver high-quality and relevant products.

CONTACT:
WHERE TO FIND OUR PRODUCTS:
The Parliamentary Budget Offices- House of Parliament
https://www.parliament.gov.sl.
CONTACTS: Office of the Director of PBO, (Parliament of Sierra Leone)
Tel: +23277-455235
Emails: pbo@Parliament.gov.sl ibjimissa@yahoo.com