Vote Prime Minister and Cabinet

MINISTER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROPRIATIONS: Prime Minister (M52)

ADMINISTERING DEPARTMENT: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET: Prime Minister

Overview of the Vote

The Prime Minister is responsible for appropriations in the Vote: Prime Minister and Cabinet for the 2010/11 financial year covering the following:

• a total of over $8.440 million (26.5% of the Vote) on free and frank advice on policy issues; services to facilitate inter-departmental coordination of policy development and leadership of a more collective approach to performance across the state sector; and coordination of central government activities aimed at protecting New Zealand's domestic and external security. From the Cabinet Office, advice on constitutional policy and procedural issues for the Governor-General, and the Prime Minister and Cabinet; coordination of the Government's legislation programme; secretariat services to Cabinet, Cabinet committees and the Executive Council; and administration of the New Zealand Royal Honours system
• a total of over $3.590 million (11.3% of the Vote) on support services to the Governor-General and maintenance of the Residences
• a total of $3.780 million (11.9% of the Vote) for the provision of information and reports on events and trends affecting New Zealand's national security priorities
• a total of $335,000 (1.1%) for establishing and operating the Science Advisory Committee
• a total of $11.650 million (36.6% of the Vote) on Government House capital investment, principally the conservation (including renovation and refurbishment) of Government House, Wellington
• a total of nearly $1.280 million (4.0% of the Vote) under permanent legislative authority (Civil List Act 1979) for payments for the salary, personal allowance and travel expenses of the Governor-General
• a total of over $1.470 million (4.6% of the Vote) on departmental capital expenditure
• a total of $51,000 (0.2% of the Vote) under permanent legislative authority (NZSIS Amendment (No. 2) Act 1999) for payments to the Commissioner of Security Warrants
• a total of $1.060 million (3.3% of the Vote) for depreciation expenses on Crown assets (Government Houses and their contents)
• a total of $168,000 (0.5% of the Vote) for an ex gratia payment to the University of Auckland for the services of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor.

Details of these appropriations are set out in Parts 2-6 for Vote Prime Minister and Cabinet in the Information Supporting the Estimates of Appropriations.