The implementation of macro-fiscal stabilisation measures
as espoused in the national economic blueprint, the Transitional Stabilisation
Programme (TSP), has seen revenue collections rising significantly, while
Budget deficits have been arrested.
This is shown in the Treasury Quarterly Bulletin (2018
Fourth Quarter) released on Wednesday, departing from the First Republic whose
statement on the financial performance of the consolidated revenue fund was
characterised by budget overruns.
According to the report, the country recorded “a
phenomenal” budget surplus by December 2018, against a background of improving
revenue collections.
Revenues rose by 43,4 percent to US$1,69 billion,
surpassing the set target of US$1,18 billion on the back of the implementation
of austerity measures.
Reads the report in part: “This fourth quarter performance
also represents a phenomenal 60 percent increase from the collections of
US$1,06 billion recorded during the same period in 2017.
“Similarly, fourth quarter revenues surpassed third quarter
revenues of US$1,3 billion by 31,3 percent, reflecting high inflation impact,
as well as the introduction of the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) in
November.”
Both tax revenue and non-tax revenue recorded positive
variances of 27,1 percent and 321,7 percent, respectively.
Non-tax revenue was US$274,1 million for the period October
to December against a target of US$65 million, representing a 321,7 percent
jump.
All revenue heads, apart from value added tax (VAT),
performed above set targets.
VAT collections were lower than the third quarter
collections by US$63,5 million, principally due to reduced VAT collections on
imported products, as well as higher VAT refunds during the quarter under
review, compared to the preceding quarter’s performance.
VAT refunds rose to US$142,4 million in the fourth quarter,
compared to US$69,1 million in the earlier quarter.
However, VAT on domestic goods performed above the target
and also surpassed the third quarter collections.
Adds the report: “Contribution of revenue heads to total
revenue was almost equal without significant differences. The major
contributors to revenue collections continued to be VAT, at 17,5 percent down from
27,9 percent contributed in the third quarter; followed by non-tax revenue,
16,2 percent; companies’ tax, 15,2 percent and excise duty, 14,3 percent.
“Indirect taxes’ contribution to total revenue was notable
at 12,7 percent, mainly attributable to IMTT (intermediated money transfer tax)
collections of US$166,8 million.”
Critically, preliminary budget expenditures in the fourth
quarter were US$1,4 billion against the planned US$1,2 billion, resulting in
expenditure over-runs of about US$200 million largely due to over-expenditure
on employment costs, interest on debt and operations and maintenance.
The employment costs amounted to US$1,1 billion against a
target of US$734,7 million.
This resulted in expenditure overruns of US$361,3 million
due to the payment of annual bonuses in November 2018.
Interestingly, the lower expenditures were also a result of
the implementation of the new policy on 13th Cheque, which is now equal to each
employee’s basic salary rather than gross salary.
The new matrix gave savings of US$80 million. Since the conclusion of the watershed July 30, 2018
harmonised polls which were resoundingly won by ZANU-PF, a raft of policy
measures aimed at transforming the economy were introduced.
The policies are largely anchored on the TSP which runs
from October 2018 to December 2020.
Under the TSP Government targets macro-fiscal
stabilisation; building a conducive investment environment and launch
respective quick-wins to stimulate and sustain a renewed private sector led
growth economy; reintegrating the country into the global economy; and
promotion of sound and good governance as an essential ingredient for
socioeconomic cohesion and development.
The reform areas are seen as critical in providing a
foundation for “strong, shared and sustainable growth and development”. Herald
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