Strengthening Fiscal Frameworks and Improving the Spending Mix in Small States

Author/Editor:

Ezequiel Cabezon ; Patrizia Tumbarello ; Yiqun Wu

Publication Date:

June 19, 2015

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:

Reflecting diseconomies of scale in providing public goods and services, recurrent spending in small states typically represents a large share of GDP. For some small states, this limits the fiscal space available for growth-promoting capital spending. Small states generally face greater revenue volatility than other country groups, owing to their exposure to exogenous shocks (including natural disasters) and narrow production bases. With limited buffers, revenue volatility often results in procyclical fiscal policy as the econometric analysis shows. To strengthen fiscal frameworks, small states should seek to streamline and prioritize recurrent spending to create fiscal space for capital spending. The quality of spending could also be improved through public financial management reform and multiyear budgeting.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2015/124

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

June 19, 2015

ISBN/ISSN:

9781513529103/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2015124

Pages:

34

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