Linking fiscal transparency initiatives to transactional data Group 3 Linking fiscal transparency initiatives to transactional data Greg Linden. Dr. Mardiasmo. Natia Gulua. Vidal Llerenas. Keith Mclean. Peter Mondoro. Darga Ganbat. Zukiswa Kota. GIFT Workshop: OGP Commitments: Session Breakaway notes: Monday 20th June

Linking fiscal transparency initiatives to transactional data Acknowledging both sides of the equation Noted that while there may be progress is aspects of programme delivery what does it mean when expenditure and fiscal transparency components are weak?

What do we need to consider Important to link budgets to results; emphasise results-based budgeting Allows tracking of results/performance Allows tracking of clear objectives and indicators Use of solid indicator systems allows effective targeting (example: Georgia case) Need clear information for public engagement; enriched budget data Methodology Timeframes Costed activities

What do we need to consider (2) Tax Revenue Transparency Analysing/monitoring revenue generation is important Not enough focus on this despite significant implications “tax compliance increases resources available for public services expenditure” To counter privacy concerns- tax revenue data can be aggregated for public consumption Results-based budgeting Publish enriched/detailed information Need to determine deviations and reporting requirements Need to keep ‘value for money’ questions at forefront Budget execution link: what has been achieved? Why? Why not?

What do we need to consider (3) …..and what lessons can we build on? “The outcome is as good as the system that produces it” Examples of learning areas: Papua New Guinea and 3 different systems used simultaneously Georgia and e-tenders/procurement South Africa and e-procurement systems Mexico and open contracting Mongolia and CSO participation in contracting/tenders

Our GIFT-list Uploading approved contracts online; open e-contracting Introduce tax revenue transparency into discussions transparency of contracts, benchmarks and milestones Punitive mechanisms for non-compliance (eg PNG ‘toothless’ Fiscal Responsibility Act) Creation of benchmarking system /key milestones that that should be expected/met within the contracting space Tedious and lengthy for governments but all parties must ‘step-up’ – e.g CSOs and public procurement agencies Uploading approved contracts online; open e-contracting Involve line ministries and implementing agencies Promote/support downstream civil society engagement and monitoring Technical support to CSOs to develop tax revenue monitoring skills