Question 137

During the legislative deliberations on the annual budget (pre-budget or approval stages), which of the following key topics does the legislature’s (or relevant legislative budget committee) engagement with citizens cover? For the purpose of this question, key topics are considered to be: 1. Macroeconomic issues; 2. Revenue forecasts, policies, and administration; 3. Social spending policies; 4. Deficit and debt levels; 5. Public investment projects; 6. Public services


 * a. The legislature seeks input on all six topics
 * b. The legislature seeks input on at least three (but less than six) of the above-mentioned topics
 * c. The legislature seeks input on at least one (but less than three) of the above-mentioned topics
 * d. The requirements for a “c” response or above are not met.
 * e. Not applicable (please comment).

OBS Guidelines
This question reflects the GIFT principles of “Transparency” and “Timeliness”. Please consider the range of mechanisms currently used by the legislature to promote public participation during legislative deliberations on the annual budget.

Please note that while the public engagement can/may cover other topics, for the purpose of answering this question, “key topics” are considered to be only the ones listed above. If the legislature’s engagement with the public covers topics other than the six listed above, please specify these topics in the comments.

Note also that this question assesses only the coverage of public engagement (i.e., “what issues is the public invited to engage on?”) and issues related to the depth of engagement or selectivity of engaged are not dealt with by this question.

Answer “d” applies if the requirements for a “c” response or above are not met or if the legislature does not use public participation mechanisms during its deliberations on the annual budget.