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Defining Equal Standards in Local Public Services

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  • Glen Bramley

    (School for Advanced Urban Studies, University of Bristol)

Abstract

This paper explores different interpretations of the notion of equal standards in local public services, as applied to the systematic distribution of resources between localities. After discussing the context and goals of public resource distribution between territories, a typology of standards is defined and analysed in terms of simple microeconomic theory. From this analysis are drawn some conclusions about the applicability of different standards to different kinds of service and about systematic territorial distributional effects related to income and urban-rural character. The discussion is illustrated with examples drawn from United Kingdom systems including the Rate Support Grant. In the concluding section it is argued that standards should be explicit and that consistency with key value judgements should guide the choice of standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Glen Bramley, 1986. "Defining Equal Standards in Local Public Services," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 23(5), pages 391-412, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:23:y:1986:i:5:p:391-412
    DOI: 10.1080/00420988620080571
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joseph E. Stiglitz, 1977. "The Theory of Local Public Goods," International Economic Association Series, in: Martin S. Feldstein & Robert P. Inman (ed.), The Economics of Public Services, chapter 12, pages 274-333, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Richard A. Musgrave, 1961. "Approaches to a Fiscal Theory of Political Federalism," NBER Chapters, in: Public Finances: Needs, Sources, and Utilization, pages 97-134, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Fabrikant, Richard, 1977. "A Long Overdue Comment on Shoup's "Standards for Distributing a Free Governmental Service: Crime Prevention."," Public Finance = Finances publiques, , vol. 32(1), pages 111-118.
    4. Feldstein, Martin S, 1975. "Wealth Neutrality and Local Choice in Public Education," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 65(1), pages 75-89, March.
    5. Barnett, Richard R & Topham, Neville, 1980. "A Critique of Equalising Grants to Local Governments," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 27(3), pages 235-249, November.
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