3.6.8 National Treasury reiterated that it provides Parliament with information on the spending trends of municipalities compiled through section 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act. National Treasury appealed to Parliamentary committees to make use of this information in order to get a better understanding of spending trends in municipalities. For example, National Treasury revealed that a total of R444 million is unspent by twelve (12) municipalities in Mpumalanga. National Treasury informed the Committee that it is only Parliament's committees, not National Treasury, who can ensure that municipalities spend appropriately. National Treasury can only withdraw funds if they were not spent. Put differently, only Parliament's committees can ensure that municipalities deliver improved services to its citizens.