Budget Surgery: Spending Public Money

Gwen Davidson

Budget Surgery: Spending Public Money

Gwen Davidson

“Nothing is easier than spending public money. It does not appear to belong

to anyone. The temptation is overwhelming to bestow it on

somebody.”

Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the USA

Expected standards

ReliabilityReliability AccuracyAccuracy

ObjectivityObjectivity AccountabilityAccountability TransparencyTransparency

OpennessOpenness

IntegrityIntegrityImpartialityImpartialityHonestyHonesty FairnessFairness

And carried out…• Expressly for the purposes for which it is

given

• In the spirit, as well as to the letter of, the law

• In the public interest

• To high ethical standards

• Achieving value for money

What does this mean for us?• Increased accountability

• Higher profile

• More scrutiny

• Operating within different, and often, tighter rules and procedures

• Limited movement of funds

How do we rise to the challenge?• Integrated and corporate approach• Accurate phasing and forecasting• Fair and open competition e.g. tenders• Clear criteria for decision making• Good record and information management• Refreshed reporting and monitoring• Clarity about decision making