Browse IFS
Publication types
Journal Articles
September 2007 (Blackwell Publishing)
Article
Expenditure reform in industrialised countries: a case-study approach
Type: Journal Articles
Authors: Sebastian Hauptmeier, Martin Heipertz and Ludger Schuknecht
ISSN: Print: 0143-5671 Online: 1475-5890
Volume, issue, pages: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 293-342
JEL classification: H5, H6, O57

Download BibTex file | 

This study examines reforms of public expenditure in industrialised countries over the past two decades. We distinguish ambitious and timid reformers and analyse in detail reform experiences in eight case studies of ambitious reform episodes. We find that ambitious reform countries reduce spending on transfers, subsidies and public consumption. Such expenditure retrenchment is also typically part of a comprehensive reform package that includes improvements in fiscal institutions as well as structural and other macroeconomic reforms. The study finds that ambitious expenditure retrenchment and reform coincides with large improvements in fiscal and economic growth indicators.

Full version (external link)

Search

Title (or part of title)
Author surname (or part of surname)