The increase in decentralization of powers of state authorities in Russia has led to the strengthening of the role of regional budgets in the financial support of socio-economic development of territories. The issue of formation of regional budgets becomes especially acute in conditions of crisis phenomena in the regional budget system and changing economic environment. In this regard, the goals of the article are to study the problems and develop the directions of improvement of budget planning in the region on the example of formation of Vologda Oblast budget for 2017–2019. The accuracy of results of the study is achieved by the use of scientific methods such as analysis and synthesis, dialectical method, balance technique and regulatory methods, system and functional comparison, and the method of reading financial statements. Theoretical and methodological basis of the work performed includes retrospective and contemporary studies that assess the budget process and budget planning as one of its key components. The study of organizing the budgetary process and budget planning, including those at the regional level, is reflected in the writings of economists like I.M. Aleksandrov, A.M. Godin, I.V. Gorskii, M.A. Gurvich, L.P. Pavlova, L.M. Pod"yablonskaya, I.I. Polyn, G.B. Polyak and others. Scientific novelty of the research consists in systematization of theoretical approaches to the category of budget process and methods of budgetary planning used in the world practice as a key component of the budget process; and also the development of measures to improve budget planning in the region. On the basis of the analysis the article proposes a set of measures to improve budget planning in the region: prioritization of achievement of target indicators in the framework of target programs; abandonment of outdated programs or transferring their terms; strengthening responsibility of regional authorities for the quality of preparation of the draft budget and the degree of its execution; drafting the budget taking into account the interests of the local community. The results of the study can be used by scientists, teachers, regional and municipal authorities, as well as by all those interested in budget planning at the regional level. Prospects for further research on the topic are related to the execution of the regional budget in terms of imperfections in budget planning
Keywords
regional budget, public debt, budget planning, budget process, budget allocations, public program, intergovernmental transfers, budget surplus