Technical Notes and Manuals

Role of the Legislature in Budget Processes

By Ian Lienert

April 6, 2010

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Ian Lienert. Role of the Legislature in Budget Processes, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2010) accessed November 8, 2024

Also available in: español

Disclaimer: This Technical Guidance Note should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Note are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

This paper examines the role of the legislature in budget processes. The paper highlights that for promoting good governance and fiscal transparency, the legislature’s active engagement in the budget process is essential. When fiscal policies and medium-term budgetary objectives are debated in parliament, budget strategies and policies are “owned” more widely. However, more active participation by the legislature runs the risk that fiscal discipline deteriorates. In countries where the legislature has unrestrained budget amendment authority, parliament is prone to introduce changes that increase spending or reduce taxes.

Subject: Budget execution and treasury management, Budget planning and preparation, External audit, Fiscal accounting and reporting, Fiscal law, Fiscal policy, Fiscal rules, Public financial management (PFM)

Keywords: Accountability, Africa, Approval, Budget, Budget execution and treasury management, Budget planning and preparation, Country, Country practice, Draft budget proposal, Executive, External audit, Fiscal accounting and reporting, Fiscal law, Government, Government accounting standards Board, Government social security system, Legislature, OECD country, OECD government, Parliament, TNM, Westminster

Publication Details

  • Pages:

    23

  • Volume:

    ---

  • DOI:

    ---

  • Issue:

    ---

  • Series:

    Technical Notes and Manuals No. 2010/004

  • Stock No:

    TNMEA2010004

  • ISBN:

    9781462398973

  • ISSN:

    2075-8669

Notes

Full text also available in Spanish.