THE House of Representatives yesterday passed the Vote-On-Account Resolution, which will provide approximately $84 billion to cover Government’s spending over the period April 1 to June 30 this year.

Section 117 (3) of the Jamaica Constitution makes provisions for the House of Representatives, by resolution, approving a vote-on-account, to authorise expenditure for part of any financial year before passing the Appropriation Act (Budget) for that year. The sums voted by the House shall be included in the Appropriation Bill for the year.

However, the sum cannot include provisions for: any increase in salaries or allowances other than approved increments and increases agreed to be paid during the financial year; any new service or work for which no provision was made in the Estimates of Expenditure for 2015/16 or which has not otherwise had the approval of the House.

The resolution was tabled by the Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw.

Opposition members gave the resolution full support, after its spokesman on finance and planning, Dr Peter Phillips, pointed out that they had anticipated the resolution and supported the motion.