Fiscal Oversight Research Articles

¿Es un tribunal de cuentas el cambio real que requiere el control fiscal colombiano?

This article analyzes the parliamentary proposal to reform fiscal control through the implementation of a new model: the court of accounts, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages. To this end, it is proposed to differentiate between a jurisdictional court of accounts, an administrative body of fiscal responsibility and a judicial co urt of fiscal responsibility. In addition, the question will be addressed as to whether this new model would be the only one to intervene in the public sphere as an auditing and/or adjudicating entity, or whether it would coexist with the Contraloría General, the territorial comptrollers and the Auditoría General, who would continue to carry out the investigations on the auditing component of accounts review and fiscal oversight. Or, on the contrary, it would be the same court that would carry out such basic action to prescribe the fiscal responsibility in trial. Although the mere existence of a court with powers of “jurisdictional administrative fiscal responsibility control” does not in itself guarantee an effective administration of justice, the creation of a body with an adversarial structure, where one party accuses and the other defends itself, could strengthen the fiscal justice system. In this scenario, an impartial and objective third party, such as a court, could play a fundamental role in resolving conflicts and ensuring a fairer and more efficient tax control.

Adhesión del régimen de vigilancia y control fiscal a los principios de gestión y gerencia pública en el marco constitucional colombiano

This article examines the evolution of the fiscal oversight and control regime in Colombia from the perspective of public management and administration. Through a qualitative analysis of doctrine, legislation, and jurisprudence, the study seeks to understand how this system has evolved, particularly following the 1991 constitutional reform. The research reveals significant progress in implementing a more proactive and preventive fiscal control framework, focused on efficiency, economy, and equity. However, persistent challenges remain, such as effective resource management and the prevention of corruption. The methodology employed combines an exhaustive review of academic literature with an analysis of key documents, such as judicial rulings. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening the autonomy of territorial comptroller offices and promoting greater coordination among oversight entities to effectively combat corruption. In conclusion, this study underscores the close relationship between fiscal oversight and public administration, emphasizing the need for efficient and responsible public management to ensure the proper use of state resources. It concludes that while important advances have been made, challenges remain that require constant attention from the competent authorities.

Smart Supervision of Public Expenditure: A Review on Data Capture, Storage, Processing, and Interoperability with a Case Study from Colombia

Effective fiscal control and monitoring of public management are critical for preventing and mitigating corruption, which in turn, enhances government performance and benefits citizens. Given the vast amounts of data involved in government operations, applying advanced data analysis methods is essential for strengthening fiscal oversight. This paper explores data management strategies aimed at enhancing fiscal control, beginning with a bibliometric study to underscore the relevance of this research. The study reviews existing data capture techniques that facilitate fiscal oversight, addresses the challenges of data storage in terms of its nature and the potential for contributing to this goal, and discusses data processing methods that yield actionable insights for analysis and decision-making. Additionally, the paper deals with data interoperability, emphasizing the importance of these practices in ensuring accurate and reliable analysis, especially given the diversity and volume of data within government operations. Data visualization is highlighted as a crucial component, enabling the detection of anomalies and promoting informed decision-making through clear and effective visual representations. The research concludes with a case study on the modernization of fiscal control in Colombia, focusing on the identification of user requirements for various data-related processes. This study provides valuable insights for modern audit and fiscal control entities, emphasizing that data capture, storage, processing, interoperability, and visualization are integral to the effective supervision of public expenditure. By ensuring that public funds are managed with transparency, accountability, and efficiency, the research advances the literature by addressing both the technological aspects of data management and the essential process improvements and human factors required for successful implementation.

Social care provision for older adults in China: Regional disparities and driving factors

AbstractIn the context of rapid ageing, the scale and distribution of social care resources for older adults in China are undergoing significant changes. Based on the macroscopic samples of the National Statistical Yearbooks from 2011 to 2021, this study examines the regional disparities, dynamic evolution, and drivers of social care provision for older adults in China. The results reveal that while the overall level of social care provision for older adults has consistently improved, significant regional disparities persist. The most abundant social care resources have long been concentrated in the economically prosperous coastal regions. Although overall disparities have shown a fluctuating downward trend over time, the absolute gaps across certain economic regions continue to widen. Furthermore, this study identifies several driving factors behind senior social care provision, including regional economic conditions, government preferences for welfare fiscal expenditure, regional consumption patterns, and urbanisation rates. However, the increase in local financial autonomy has a negative impact on the provision of social care for older adults. The findings highlight the importance of developing a more scientific fiscal oversight mechanism, creating region‐specific policies, and addressing the needs of older migrants to achieve the goal of equalising social care provision for older adults.

Network-Actor Critical Media Literacy and Political Activism in the Era of the Fiscal Oversight Board in Puerto Rico

Network-Actor Critical Media Literacy and Political Activism in the Era of the Fiscal Oversight Board in Puerto Rico

BUDGETTING ANALYSIS USING MACHINE LEARNING

In an era characterized by unparalleled technological progress and pervasive digital integration, the amalgamation of machine learning and mobile applications has instigated a significant transformation in the realm of financial management. This report embarks on a thorough exploration of this revolutionary convergence, elucidating its impact on budget analysis and forecasting, while also laying the groundwork for a future distinguished by heightened fiscal oversight and informed decision-making. The evolution of budget management and financial forecasting has been intricately linked to the ascent of digital technology. As the intricacies of financial challenges confronting individuals, enterprises, and governments continue to evolve, there arises an increasing need for innovative solutions capable of adapting to diverse financial profiles. At the heart of this transformative shift lies the fusion of Flutter, a versatile and user-friendly mobile app development framework, with the predictive capabilities of machine learning, heralding a paradigmatic shift in the domain of budget analysis. This report offers a comprehensive exploration of our project's multifaceted dimensions. From its conceptualization and rationale to the intricate technical architecture and methodologies underpinning its functionality, each aspect is meticulously examined. Throughout this captivating journey, we delve deeply into the realm of data-driven financial prediction, where machine learning algorithms dissect historical spending patterns, illuminating potential future financial trajectories. The Flutter application, meticulously designed to serve as an intuitive gateway to personalized financial insights and effective budget management, occupies a central role in this endeavor. It epitomizes accessibility and ease of use, empowering users from diverse backgrounds to harness the power of data-driven fiscal decision-making. Beyond the technological innovations, this report underscores the paramount importance of ethical considerations. In an era where data privacy and algorithmic fairness are of utmost concern, we adopt a proactive stance in ensuring that our project adheres to the highest ethical standards. Our endeavor transcends mere innovation; it is a commitment to shaping a more inclusive and responsible financial future’s.

The OBR and the March 2023 Budget: The Travails of UK Economic Growth and the Politics of Technocratic Fiscal Governance

AbstractThis article places the Office for Budget Responsibility's commentary on the March 2023 UK Budget in political context. It explores how increased independent expert input has transformed the UK economic policy regime, focussing on the complex relationship between rules‐based economic governance, independent oversight and fiscal discipline. The technocratic veneer that enshrines the UK fiscal watchdog obscures the inevitable politics of rules‐based fiscal governance. The recent budget revealed OBR scepticism about how far budget measures can address the UK economy's long‐term structural weaknesses. This underlined the key role for judgment inherent within technocratic fiscal oversight.

Human Services and Behavioral Health Integration: A Model for Whole-Person Medicaid Managed Care.

A comprehensive, whole-person approach to individuals' health care can be achieved by aligning, integrating, and coordinating health services with other human services. HealthChoices, Pennsylvania's managed Medicaid program, delegates responsibility for Medicaid-funded behavioral health service management to individual counties or multicounty collaboratives. County administrators' programmatic and fiscal oversight of Medicaid-funded services allows them to create synergies between behavioral health and other human service delivery systems and to set priorities on the basis of local needs. This model supports access to community-based care, integration of general medical and behavioral health services, and programs that address social determinants of health.

Caught between the sacred and the secular: The pentecostal pastor as a leader in a world in constant flux

The exponential growth of Pentecostalism globally suggests a strong social and economic impact which member churches of this tradition are expected to have on the communities they serve. Pentecostal pastors are expected to be mindful of this perceived impact the church should have on communities and to contribute to the general development of the communities in which they operate. In this regard, two challenges immediately confront pastors—the changed and changing composition of the church membership and of the global community which is in constant flux. As an example, one of the dilemmas that pastors face in their daily functions is the question of whether they should premise their decisions on the fiscal oversight and justice-related responsibilities of faith or on the internal control systems of the organisation. This article investigates the duties and decision-making functions of Pentecostal pastors in changed and changing communities, probing the difficulties they encounter in their daily operations in the context of being missional pastors. The article will also discuss pointers to obviate hurdles in the way of Pentecostal pastors in their quest to contribute to communities in a holistic way

Board Age Diversity and the Future of Museum Leadership

AbstractAge diversity is an often‐overlooked dimension of museum board diversity, yet the future of board leadership lies with younger generations, and museum sustainability in the present also depends on the contributions of younger patrons today. Critical issues of board representation cannot be fixed overnight, but a step in the right direction is board age diversity. As the entity that hires and evaluates the executive director and provides fiscal oversight for the institution, it is crucial that the board reflects the demographics and values of the people the museum is trying to serve. Younger generations are more socially connected and socially aware, and they want to change the world now; data, however, suggests that fewer young people see museums as aligning with these values, creating an urgency to engage and build loyalty with these next generation patrons. Recruiting board members without decades of professional experience makes it imperative that museums prioritize leadership development from the beginning. By cultivating younger donors for future giving and leadership positions and capitalizing on their unique insights now, museums will be able to remain relevant for years to come. This article presents a detailed action plan for museums on how to recruit, develop, and retain younger board members to ensure museum sustainability now and in the future.

Less fiscal oversight, more adjustment

In Norway, a reform in 2001 lifted budget and borrowing approval for local governments that comply with the balanced budget requirement (BBR). It was a concern that less fiscal oversight would lead to less fiscal discipline. A neglected effect however, was that the reform implicitly introduced sanctions for violating the BBR. In addition a register informing financial institutions about authorities in need of borrowing approval provides voters with reliable information about fiscal performance. We find evidence of stronger fiscal adjustment after the reform, in particular for local governments with past deficits that are at risk of being enrolled in the register. Moreover, an important finding is that this result also holds for local government with past deficits that do not end up in the register. Local governments with past surpluses are less affected by the reform, but there is some evidence in the direction of lower surpluses for this group.

Towards a Model for Independent Fiscal Policy Oversight in a Small Island State

This paper provides an ex ante assessment for the design of an independent council to improve fiscal oversight and responsibility in Jamaica. Given mixed reviews on the effectiveness of fiscal councils and that the feasibility of implementation in resource constrained developing countries is not clear, the study provides important insights to guide the establishment of such a council. An oversight body with broad-based participation and strong leadership that is accountable to Parliament is preferred. The deliberative role is emphasized over the technocratic role to enhance independence, legitimacy, credibility, and political commitment. However, balance between competing logics, identified as technocratic and deliberative logics is necessary to avoid dysfunction.

The power of the purse : fiscal oversight and the South African Parliamentary Budget Office

The power of the purse : fiscal oversight and the South African Parliamentary Budget Office

#HuelgaUPR: The Kidnapping of the University of Puerto Rico, Students Activism, and the Era of Trump

For the past 100 years, Puerto Rico as an unincorporated territory of the United States, has underwent economic hardship. In 2016, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill known as PROMESA (promise) to assist Puerto Rico in the reconstruction of the economy hoping to relieve the island from its 74 billion dollar debt. PROMESA proposed to cut funds to the island’s university system totaling roughly $450 million over three years. In the wake of the presidential administration changing from President Barack Obama to Donald Trump, Puerto Rico filed for bankruptcy. The University of Puerto Rico (UPR), the main public university system of the island, has become a site of protests and strikes for students due to proposed cuts in the fiscal plan submitted by Gov. Ricardo Rossello Nevares to the Fiscal Oversight & Management Board. All the universities in the UPR system are considered Hispanic Serving Institutions, producing college graduates that work on the island, but also stateside contributing to the United States economy. This study examines the #HuelgaUPR (strike UPR), adopted by student activists that attend college in the University of Puerto Rico system. We examine newspapers (local and national),and twitter as primary documents to understand student demands, UPR, and government responses to those demands. Through a content analysis, which is the study of sign systems intersecting with power, we seek to understand the activism that has always been a part of the culture within the UPR system. Our analysis uses Chicana/Latina feminist cultural studies and the four tenets: intersectionality and global solidarity, breaking down dualisms, the embracing of ambiguity, and the project of tracking decolonial agency. Our findings suggests that #HuelgaUPR movement illuminates how student activism issues of free speech have proliferated since the election of Trump, and how the students of UPR resist the “kidnapping” of their institution through civil disobedience and the use of social media.

Does fiscal oversight matter?

A gradually introduced reform of local government accounting made it temporarily possible for municipalities in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia to avoid the effective control of their budget by the authorities in charge of overseeing local government budgets and enforcing the existing fiscal rules. Using this withdrawal of effective fiscal oversight, we identify the effects of fiscal restraints and their enforcement on fiscal outcomes. We find that the withdrawal of oversight has a significant and sizable effect on per capita debt of local governments that were previously constrained by fiscal oversight. Fiscal restraints are important, and oversight and enforcement are key requirements for their success.

In and out of Home: Rereading as Practice

I began conceptualizing a project on the representations of home in Esmeralda Santiago’s three memoirs When I Was Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman, and The Turkish Lover, I thought that I was solely studying the roles of domestic spaces in diasporic, autobiographical narratives... The dramatic changes happening in Puerto Rico, and the human suffering that comes with them, were making it impossible for me to write about Santiago and her narratives in the ways that I had planned to study them. How I thought about these three memoirs prior to the inception of the US fiscal oversight board created by the PROMESA Act is different from how I read her books while surrounded by the austerity measures being implemented by this board.... Recognizingthe interconnectivity of serial autobiographies, and that an author who writes multiple autobiographical narratives cannot be located in a single text, can allow the patterns of slippage between national identity/ies to become more visible.

Human rights and fiscal oversight: A case study of the Northern Ireland 2011–15 budget

The purpose of this paper is to see how human rights principles overlap with the practice of a parliamentary committee involved in fiscal oversight. To that end, this paper analyses the discussion of the Northern Irish Budget 2011-2015 from the perspective of human rights principles derived from International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The aim is to see what is the congruence between the concepts used in such debates and scrutiny and the concepts used in human rights law.

Restructuring a State Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program: Implications of a Local Health Department Model for SNAP-Ed.

The US Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) funds state programs to improve nutrition and physical activity in low-income populations through its Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention grants. States vary in how they manage and structure these programs. California substantially restructured its program in 2012 to universally position local health departments (LHDs) as the programmatic lead in all jurisdictions. This study sought to determine whether California's reorganization aligned with desirable attributes of decentralized public management. This study conducted 40 in person, semistructured interviews with 57 local, state, and federal SNAP-Ed stakeholders between October 2014 and March 2015. Local respondents represented 15 counties in all 7 of California's SNAP-Ed regions. We identified 3 common themes that outlined advantages or disadvantages of local public management, and we further defined subthemes within: (1) coordination and communication (within local jurisdictions, across regions, between local and state), (2) efficiency (administrative, fiscal, program), and (3) quality (innovation, skills). We conducted qualitative content analysis to evaluate how respondents characterized the California experience for each theme, identifying positive and negative experiences. California's LHD model offers some distinct advantages, but the model does not exhibit all the advantages of decentralized public management. Strategic planning, partnerships, subcontracting, and fiscal oversight are closer to communities than previously. However, administrative burden remains high and LHDs are limited in their ability to customize programs on the basis of community needs because of state and federal constraints. California's use of a universal LHD model for SNAP-Ed is novel. Recent federal SNAP-Ed changes present an opportunity for other states to consider this structure. Employing small-scale approaches initially (eg, pilot efforts) may facilitate effective transitions. For an LHD model to be effective, LHDs must be adept at managing administrative complexity and capable of succeeding within stringent federal/state requirements.

The Panama Papers and Tax Morality

The recent divulgence of the Panama Papers (2016) has caused an uproar for the brazen tax avoidance and evasion practices that powerful interest groups employ, even without ostensibly breaching legal frameworks, much to the detriment of fiscal outcomes, and certainly to the disregard of tax morality considerations. This discussion paper ties the Panama Papers into the literature on tax morality, as it is an important new source of both evidence and initiative for greater reflection on the principles of tax morality on a global scale, underpinned by rising inequality, lower economic optimism, intergenerational inequity, low transparency, corporate leverage and weak oversight. The paper thereby revisits several important facets in a timely manner while the tide of public opinion post-Panama favours stronger fiscal oversight of ‘the 1%,’ which allows for a more robust re-examination of the aforementioned fiscal issues.

Contextualizing Russia's Ratings Agency: ACRA

Russia’s new Ratings Agency (ACRA) replaces the major international agencies (Moody’s, S&P, Fitch) for the purposes of assessing credit quality and assigning credit ratings to domestic borrowers in Russia. This discussion paper contextualizes this development as part of the broader trend in corporate leveraging in emerging markets and the risks to fiscal oversight created by corporate leveraging, while noting that both sanctions against Russia as well as depressed oil prices have catalyzed the current ACRA into being, as part of a strategy to address credit quality concerns and opacity in fiscal oversight of corporate leverage while the macroeconomic strains from extractive industry constraints loom large. This enriches the discussion of corporate leveraging in BRICS in light of the dramatic changes that this emerging market cohort is witnessing at present (2016).