Budget Appraisal—The Next Step in the Quest for Better Budgeting?

Noting that budgeting now represents the most important instrument of governance, transcending the traditional role of legislation, and also noting that recognition of this development stimulated a search for better methods, which is still underway, the author explores the possibility of using periodic, criteria-based appraisals to encourage governments to adopt exemplary practices. Surfacing after World War II, dissatisfaction with budgetary practice led to continuing experimentation with alternative formats and procedures. Although the alternative approaches reflect different standards, they also share similarities, which can provide a foundation for the construction of an exemplary model of public budgeting, embracing critical dimensions of the budgetary process. Further noting the constructive impact of auditing standards on accounting practices and financial reports, the author suggests that the post-audit model may be applicable to budgeting. Experimenting with this model is advanced as a likely next step in the search for better budgeting methodologies.