5.The Order authorises the issue of cash from the Consolidated Fund in support of services for both 2002-03 and 2003-04. For 2002-03 an amount of £421,576,000 is sought, in addition to the amount previously authorised by the Northern Ireland Assembly. For 2003-04 a Vote on Account of £4,195,167,000 is sought to provide departments with provision for the early months of 2003-04, until legislative authority for the full provision needed for the year can be brought forward.
6.The Order also authorises the use of resources for both 2002-03 and 2003-04. For 2002-03 a total revised amount of £10,503,229,000 is sought and for 2003-04 a Vote on Account of £4,761,612,000. The Order revises the limits as set in the Budget (No.2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 on the amount of accruing resources, including both operating and non-operating accruing resources that may be directed to be used for certain purposes for the year ending 31st March 2003. (Under cash-based Estimates cash receipts were either authorised by Parliament/the Assembly as appropriations in aid, and used to offset the gross spend or, where this was not the case, fell to be surrendered into the Consolidated Fund as Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts (CFERs). However, following the introduction of resource Estimates and consequent changes in terminology, it is more appropriate to refer to amounts authorised by the Assembly/Parliament to be applied against gross requirements as “Accruing Resources”). In addition, the Order authorises temporary borrowing by the Department of Finance and Personnel.
7.The sums to be issued from the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland for the year ending 31st March 2003 are to be appropriated for services, as set out in Schedule 1 to the Order.
8.The amount of resources (including accruing resources) authorised for use for the year ending 31st March 2003 are to be used for the purposes specified in Schedule 2 to the Order.
9.The sums to be issued from the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland for the year ending 31st March 2004 are to be appropriated for services as set out in Schedule 3 to the Order.
10.The amount of resources authorised for use for the year ending 31st March 2004 are to be used for the purposes specified in Schedule 4 to the Order.
11.Further information on the provision contained in the Order is set out within the 2003-03 Spring Supplementary Estimates volume.