by Jason Lakin, Senior Research Fellow, International Budget Partnership— Sep 16, 2020
This blog explores a handful, but possibly growing, number of occasions where citizens have used the courts to challenge tax policy. Traditionally, it has been difficult, if not impossible, for public interest groups to press their tax policy claims in court.
by Brendan Halloran, International Budget Partnership— Sep 15, 2020
During the COVID-19 crisis, governments are taking the necessary steps to save lives and prevent families from falling into poverty and hardship in the short term, however, it is likely that funds meant to strengthen public health infrastructure and reach vulnerable groups will be mismanaged. This is an opportunity for public auditors to ensure that public money is well spent during and after the crisis.
by María José Eva, International Budget Partnership— Sep 15, 2020
“We are all in this together”—or, at least that was the message early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus does not discriminate and anyone can catch it. However, it did not take long for it to become obvious that this was far from reality in a story that is still unfolding.
by Paul Steele, Chief Economist, International Institute for Environment and Development— Sep 14, 2020
This post, authored by Paul Steele of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), explores their report on a new form of debt swaps that could provide developing countries with an opportunity for a green post-COVID-19 recovery that would also help reduce poverty.
by Aheli Chowdhury, Action Research Lead, IBP India & Trupti Malti, Project Officer, SATHI — Sep 03, 2020
Accredited Social Health Activists, commonly referred to as ASHA workers in India, have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the charge to ensure the most vulnerable community members get the resources they need. This blog tells the story of one of those workers, Kalpana, who has emerged as a community health advocate in her village.
by Pooja Parvati, Country Manager, IBP India — Aug 31, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most vulnerable people in India have been particularly hard-hit and face challenges accessing relief programs. This post tells the story of Ranjitha – a Dalit woman who has sparked hope by leading relief distribution efforts in her community.
by Paolo de Renzio, International Budget Partnership— Aug 28, 2020
One of the key questions ordinary citizens ask about government budgets is “how will it affect me?” This is even more relevant during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, when poverty and inequality worsen, and governments are called on to provide assistance to those most in need.
by David Robins, IBP— Aug 20, 2020
The murder of George Floyd by police officers in the United States sparked waves of Black Lives Matter protests across the country and around the world. Rising out of the movement came a call, one with a specific budget emphasis: Defund the Police. In order to understand what this means and how we can reform policing and institute change, budget analysis and advocacy is a necessary step.
by Warren Krafchik and Paolo de Renzio*— Aug 19, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis presents an opportunity for civic actors to push governments in the direction of realizing more equitable and inclusive societies. However, realizing that vision will mean a new social contract between citizens and governments – one that benefits everyone, rather than a privileged few.
by Alex Kreko, Program Officer, International Budget Partnership— Aug 18, 2020
This blog explores how Benin – which now ranks as the most transparent country in Francophone Africa on the Open Budget Index (OBI) – has expanded fiscal transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in recent years.