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Strengthening local government budgeting and accountability

Author

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  • Schaeffer, Michael
  • Yilmaz, Serdar

Abstract

In many developing and middle-income countries, decentralization reforms are promoting changes in governance structures that are reshaping the relationship between local governments and citizens. The success of these decentralization reforms depends on the existence of sound public financial systems both at the central and local levels. This paper focuses on the role of budgeting as a critical tool in reform efforts, highlighting problems that might impede successful local government budget development and implementation. The attainment of effective local government accountability and transparency is not an end itself, but rather it represents the means to support better decision-making on national and local budgeting. Community based schemes for enhancing local government accountability need to combine legal, political, and administrative mechanisms with proactive community involvement. Of particular importance are the legal and budgetary instruments that require input from local community members on certain local government decisions and instruments that increase accessibility for the press or the general public at large to information on government activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Schaeffer, Michael & Yilmaz, Serdar, 2008. "Strengthening local government budgeting and accountability," Policy Research Working Paper Series 4767, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:4767
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukdar, 2019. "Autonomy in Budgeting Decisions of Local Government Union Councils: A Study of Bangladesh," Journal of Public Administration and Governance, Macrothink Institute, vol. 9(2), pages 30-70, December.
    2. Pessino, Carola & Izquierdo, Alejandro & Vuletin, Guillermo, 2018. "Better Spending for Better Lives: How Latin America and the Caribbean Can Do More with Less," IDB Publications (Books), Inter-American Development Bank, number 9152, December.
    3. Colin Busby & Benjamin Dachis & William B.P. Robson, 2010. "Unbalanced Books: How to Improve Toronto’s Fiscal Accountability," e-briefs 103, C.D. Howe Institute.
    4. Dan Constantin Danuletiu, 2010. "Fiscal Decentralization And Issues Of Municipal Bonds. The Case Of Romania," Polish Journal of Management Studies, Czestochowa Technical University, Department of Management, vol. 1(1), pages 70-78, May.

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