Kostusvaliokunta

Kostusvaliokunta, known in English as the Expense Committee, is a committee of the Finnish Parliament (Eduskunta) that oversees costs arising from parliamentary work. Its mandate covers reviewing and regulating reimbursements and allowances related to Members of Parliament’s duties and other official expenses, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and rules on public expenditure. It also develops guidelines for travel and other cost items and monitors compliance.

The committee is composed of Members of Parliament appointed from the parliamentary groups. The chair and membership are set for each term and reflect the political composition of the Eduskunta. It operates under the Parliament’s rules of procedure and meets as needed.

Decisions are made by majority vote and implemented by the Parliament’s administration; minutes are published and financial guidance is disseminated to the relevant offices.

In its work, Kostusvaliokunta collaborates with the Parliament’s administration and financial staff to review policies, approve cost guidelines, and monitor spending to promote transparency and prudent use of resources.

The committee thus plays a role in governance of public expenditure within the Parliament and contributes to accountability in the use of parliamentary resources.

See also Eduskunta, Finnish Parliament, Parliamentary committees, Public expenditure in Finland.