Liaison - Second Report

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Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee. The published report was ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 27 March 2008.

Contents

Terms of Reference

Summary

1 Introduction

The purpose of financial scrutiny

What is needed

2 A short history of financial control and scrutiny

Taxation

Expenditure

Spending plans

Accounts

Conclusion

3 The Government's financial system

Complexity

Results of complexity

Plans for reform

Conclusion

4 Financial reporting

Introduction

The problem

What is needed

Information on revenue

Other types of information

Language

Conclusion

5 Making financial scrutiny worthwhile

Spending Reviews

Select committee activity

Co-operation between committees

Changes in the structure of committees

Financial matters on the floor of the House

Estimates Days

Proposals

Expert assistance and training

Training for Members

6 Conclusion

Annex 1: Reasons for differences between departmental budgets, Estimates and accounts

List of recommendations

Formal Minutes

List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament

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Prepared 18 April 2008