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The quality of public services in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Amanda Carmignani

    () (Banca d'Italia)

  • Francesco Bripi

    () (Banca d'Italia)

  • Raffaela Giordano

    () (Banca d'Italia)

Abstract

This paper provides a survey of a number of studies conducted in recent years, above all at the Bank of Italy, aiming at assessing the quality and the efficiency of public services in Italy. We consider services provided by the central government (education and civil justice), regional governments (health) and municipalities (local public transportation, waste disposal, water and gas supply, and childcare). The analysis shows in general that Italy lags behind noticeably compared with other countries and there are large regional differences in terms of both quality and efficiency, regardless of the level of government providing the service. The lags seem to be attributable, depending on the case, to agents� incentives, citizens� behaviour and the regulation. Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the need for more information to enhance our understanding of the problems and improve the effectiveness of action taken to counter them.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Carmignani & Francesco Bripi & Raffaela Giordano, 2011. "The quality of public services in Italy," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 84, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_84_11
    as

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    File URL: http://www.bancaditalia.it/pubblicazioni/qef/2011-0084/QEF_84.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public services; efficiency; decentralization;

    JEL classification:

    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • H76 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other Expenditure Categories

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