GPG’s Guide to Parliaments series explores the key processes and functions of parliaments around the world. The Guide highlights the main elements affecting design and delivery of effective parliamentary strengthening projects. This paper will discuss the vital function of Parliament in scrutinising and overseeing financial matters, in particular:
• How Parliaments undertake their financial oversight functions and why it matters.
• The key roles played respectively by parliamentary committees, independent oversight bodies, parliamentary staff and the public.
• Why financial scrutiny should be an essential aspect of international parliamentary strengthening programmes and the types of support donors and implementers can provide in this domain.