Formula Funding of Public Services: An Economic Analysis
Abstract
This paper discusses the economic implications of distributing funds for devolved public services using mechanical formulae. The rationale for using such methods is that they will contribute to the increased efficiency and equity of public services. By acting as arbiters in complex bargaining situations, they also serve important political objectives. The principles of formula funding are examined from an economic perspective, using a production-function approach. As well as yielding major benefits, formula funding has the potential for introducing perverse incentives and risk-avoidance behaviour, particularly among smaller units such as schools and general practices. Strategies for avoiding adverse outcomes are discussed, and the broader political context within which formula funding operates is examined. The paper ends with an assessment of the priorities for future developments in formula funding. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.Download Info
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Bibliographic Info
Article provided by Oxford University Press in its journal Oxford Review of Economic Policy.
Volume (Year): 19 (2003)
Issue (Month): 2 (Summer)
Pages: 301-322
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Web page: http://oxrep.oupjournals.org/
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Citations
Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.Cited by:
- Peter Friedrich & Joanna Gwiazda & Chang Woon Nam, 2003. "Development of Local Public Finance in Europe," CESifo Working Paper Series 1107, CESifo Group Munich.
- James Gallagher & Daniel Hinze, . "Financing Options for Devolved Government in the UK," Working Papers 2005_24, Business School - Economics, University of Glasgow.
- Adam Oliver, 2005. "The English National Health Service: 1979-2005," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(S1), pages S75-S99.
- Gloria Agyemang, 2010. "Accounting for needs? Formula funding in the UK schools sector," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 23(1), pages 82-110, January.
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