Narrowing Vertical Fiscal Imbalances in Four European Countries

Author/Editor:

Izabela Karpowicz

Publication Date:

March 1, 2012

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper describes the institutional changes that have induced a decline in the vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) - defined as the share of sub-national own spending not financed through own revenues - in four European countries: Belgium, Italy, Norway, and Spain. The decline in VFI was achieved through progressive devolution of revenues to sub-national governments in Belgium, Italy, and Spain, while re-centralization of health sector expenditures was the cause of the decline in the VFI in Norway.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2012/091

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

March 1, 2012

ISBN/ISSN:

9781475502664/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2012091

Pages:

22

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