Role:

Specifically, the functions of PBOs can be different in different countries. Generally, the following features are found:

♤ Independent and objective economic forecasts;

♤ Baseline estimate survey;

♤ Analyzing the executive’s Budget proposals and their costs-benefits; and

♤ Providing medium- to long-term analysis.

Costing is a standard practice for many PBOs. Budgets generally start with an economic forecast. A PBO can present either its own independent forecast or it can validate the government’s, providing an objective analysis on the official forecast. A PBO is very different from research wings or Finance Committees or Public Accounts Committee (PAC). It is comprised of independent and specialized staff such as Budget analysts, economists, public finance experts.

Also, it must be non-partisan, independent and mandated to serve all parliamentarians including treasury bench and opposition.