By Sue-Ann Wayow
FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert will deliver the 2022/2023 Budget in just after 1.30 pm when Parliament sits today.
THis will be the eighth he will present on behalf of the People’s National Movement (PNM) government led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
Dr Rowley had indicated to citizens that they should expect an earlier budget this year.
Last year, the Budget was read by Imbert on October 4, 2021 and the debate kicked off on October 8, 2021 with Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar stating that the ordinary citizen would suffer more as a result of its proposals.
The budget was $52.4 billion with a deficit of $9 billion.
All fiscal measures announced became effective January 1, 2022, except for Value Added Tax (VAT) removal on basic food items, which came into effect from November 1, 2021.
Education received the biggest chunk of the financial pie.
Last year’s allocations:
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Education and Training – $6.886 billion
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Health – $6.395 billion
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National Security – $5.664 billion
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Works and Transport – $3.577 billion
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Public Utilities – $2.671 billion
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Rural Development and Local Government – $1.656 billion
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Agriculture – $1.249 billion
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Housing – $0.610 billion
