Määrärajoituksin

Määrärajoituksin is a Finnish term that translates to "with spending limits" or "subject to appropriations" in English. It refers to a principle in public finance and budgeting where funds allocated for a specific purpose are restricted and cannot be exceeded. This concept is fundamental to the responsible management of public money, ensuring that expenditures remain within the approved budget.

In practice, when a decision or project is stated to be "määrärajoituksin," it signifies that the necessary funds have been earmarked and set aside, but only up to a predetermined amount. Any spending beyond this limit would require a separate budgetary approval or would be disallowed. This mechanism helps prevent overspending and promotes financial discipline.

The term is commonly used in government and municipal budgeting processes. For example, a parliamentary decision to grant funds for a new infrastructure project might specify that it is "määrärajoituksin," meaning the project can proceed, but only within the allocated budget. This contrasts with open-ended commitments where the cost is not precisely defined beforehand.

Määrärajoituksin is a core component of fiscal accountability, providing a clear framework for how public resources are to be used. It ensures transparency by making the spending limits explicit and allows for better control over public finances. This principle is crucial for maintaining economic stability and public trust in financial management.