New methods of public management are transforming the structure of modern governments. These methods, sometimes called managerialism, essentially adapt private sector management principles and practices to the public sector, and require a high degree of budget transparency.

For example, the Bill of Budget Honesty in Australia, the Citizen's Charter in England, and the Fiscal Responsibility Act in New Zealand, clearly specify what information must be made public and when this information must be released. Latin America needs legal instruments such as these if its democracies are to be strengthened.

Budget and Control examines the institutional arrangements required for the countries of the region to reform their budget and control systems. Public officials and policymakers working with budgets, as well as students of development economics, will find this book an invaluable tool.