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Age based service demands in Canada: municipal responsibility and financing

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  • Harry Kitchen

Abstract

The current trend towards an ageing population and the fact that a smaller percentage of this cohort is poor when compared with younger age groups poses challenges in the way in which some senior services are financed. The long-established practice of discounting fees or lowering property taxes based strictly on age rather than ability to pay raises a number of equity and efficiency concerns. It is unfair because those who are younger and poorer end up subsidising those who are older and richer. It is inefficient because those paying discounted prices or taxes have an incentive to demand more than they would if they paid the full price. This, in turn, leads to more municipal resources being devoted to the service than is economically efficient and it may create significant revenue challenges for municipalities with limited resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Harry Kitchen, 2021. "Age based service demands in Canada: municipal responsibility and financing," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(3), pages 386-404, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:flgsxx:v:47:y:2021:i:3:p:386-404
    DOI: 10.1080/03003930.2020.1802252
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