Parliament's finance committees want greater involvement in budget planning process

CAPE TOWN - Chairpersons of Parliament's finance committees want greater involvement and inclusiveness in the budget planning process.

Even one of the institutions supporting democracy, the financial and fiscal commission, has criticised the lack of consultation by National Treasury before it tables the main budget and wants the process relooked.

The chairperson of the committees from the National Assembly and NCOP were addressing a pre-budget finance cluster media briefing on Monday.

Parliament's finance cluster held another briefing focusing mainly on Wednesday's budget.

While the budget and its VAT increase proposals have been rejected by most parties, Parliament says it wants a greater involvement in the process and not just on Budget Day.

Standing Committee on Finance chairperson, Joe Maswanganyi, said proposals should be presented to Parliament earlier.

"That should be done months or so in advance before you come to Parliament because now you’re going to put Parliament under very extreme pressure."

Financial and fiscal commission chairperson, Dr Nombeko Mbava, said the institution was not consulted adequately on the budget as required by law.

"We are of the view that that consultation has not been substantive. It's a great concern."

The committees also called for greater government efficiency and savings to fill the R60 billion funding gap for new spending.