Dimension: 6.2.3 Participation in the budget cycle
This dimension covers public participation in the budget cycle. The annual State budget represents public interests and priorities, which makes its preparation, approval and oversight one of parliament’s most important and critical responsibilities. While the mechanisms and processes for public participation in the budget cycle are similar to those for participation in law-making and oversight, budget transparency is especially significant because the allocation of public resources is a clear indication of government priorities.
Public Public All the members of a community in general, regardless of their citizenship status. participation in the budget cycle helps to increase the transparency of government programmes and can provide insights to help MPs hold the executive to account. It can also ensure better alignment between government priorities and the allocation of resources, thereby improving service delivery and instilling trust in parliament and other public institutions.
The public should be involved in all stages of the budget cycle:
- When parliamentary committees discuss the pre-budget statement from the executive
- When the draft budget is sent for parliamentary committee and plenary debate and approval
- During the in-year oversight of the government’s monthly or quarterly budget execution reports, or during thematic reviews of certain budget appropriations
- During the ex-post budget oversight process (when parliament discusses the report by the supreme audit institution)
The annual State budget should be presented to the public in plain, easy-to-understand language, enabling citizens to participate and contribute effectively, and allowing parliament to bridge the gap between complex financial jargon and the general public’s understanding. This approach promotes transparency, empowering individuals to actively participate in the decision-making process, offer meaningful insights and contribute to shaping the budget according to the needs and priorities of the community.
See also Indicator 1.8 Budget Budget A plan typically prepared by the executive and placed before parliament each year (depending on national statute) showing what money the government expects to receive (revenue) and how the government proposes to spend it (expenditure). and Dimension 3.1.3: Transparency of the budget cycle and the parliamentary budget.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Legal framework
The legal framework provides for members of the public to participate in the budget cycle.
No 2: Mechanisms and processes
Mechanisms and processes are in place to facilitate public participation in all stages of the budget cycle (pre-budget statement, committee and plenary debate and approval, and in-year and ex-post budget oversight), with a particular emphasis on participation in parliamentary committees or other bodies responsible for the budget.
No 3: Accessibility of the process
Opportunities for public participation in the budget cycle are announced well in advance, sufficient time is allocated for effective participation, and participation takes place at a time and in a place convenient for a wide range of groups.
No 4: Accessibility of the text
The annual State budget is communicated to the public in plain, easy-to-understand language, enabling active engagement and meaningful contribution from citizens.
No 5: Practice
Parliament regularly consults with the public about the budget, using a wide range of instruments and methods.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provision(s) from the legal framework covering public participation in the budget cycle
- Laws, rules or standing orders supporting public participation in the budget cycle
- A guide, model or other document detailing mechanisms and processes for participation
- Programmes, schedules, information pamphlets and other supporting documents
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
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The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
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