The international financial institutions such as World Bank and IMF have prescribed some budgetary documents that every economy must publish and make available to its citizens in a timely manner. What are these budgetary documents that need to be publis
International financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) advocate for transparency and accountability in public financial management. During the budget formulation process, several key budgetary documents are recommended to be published and made available to citizens. These documents typically include:
1. **Budget Speech**: This is a statement made by the finance minister or relevant authority, outlining the government's fiscal policy, economic outlook, and priorities for the budget.
2. **Fiscal Strategy Document**: This document outlines the government’s medium- to long-term fiscal strategy, including its objectives, targets, and major fiscal measures.
3. **Pre-Budget Statement**: Issued before the budget, this statement provides an overview of the forthcoming budget, including revenue and expenditure forecasts.
4. **Proposed Budget**: This includes detailed estimates of revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year, often broken down by departments, functions, and programs.
5. **Budget Estimates**: A more detailed version of the proposed budget, it includes itemized estimates of income and expenditure, as well as justifications for allocations.
6. **Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)**: This framework outlines the expected budgetary allocation over a medium-term period, typically covering three to five years, to guide fiscal planning and resource allocation.
7. **Annual Financial Statements**: While not always prepared during the budget formulation process, these statements provide an overview of the government’s financial position and the performance of the previous year's budget.
8. **Outturn Reports**: These documents report on the actual revenues and expenditures compared to the proposed budget, helping to evaluate performance and inform future budgeting.
9. **Citizen's Budget**: A simplified version of the budget prepared for the general public, intended to make budgetary information accessible and understandable to citizens.
10. **Legislative Appropriation Bill/Act**: This document outlines the legal authority for the government’s expenditures, which must be approved by the legislature.
By ensuring these documents are published in a timely and accessible manner, governments can promote transparency, enhance public participation in the budgeting process, and improve accountability for public resources.