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Interregional Redistribution and Regional Disparities: How Equalization Does (Not) Work

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  • Kessler, Anke
  • Lessmann, Christian

Abstract

Do inter-governmental transfers such as equalization grants reduce interregional disparities? This paper studies both theoretically and empirically the impact of interregional redistribution on interregional inequality. We set up a model with residential choice and equalization grants between regions, and show that interregional transfer payments prevent convergence promoting migration. We test our model in using cross-country data and panel data for 22 highly developed OECD countries. The evidence suggests a positive relationship between interregional transfers and regional disparities both across countries and over time from 1982 to 2000. In the cross-section data, we find that countries with higher levels of interregional redistribution in the past show a subsequent increase in interregional disparity, while countries with lower levels of grants and transfers show less divergence or even convergence. The panel reveals a similar picture: countries who have increased their sub-governmental transfers and grants have experienced more divergence (less convergence) over time than countries who have lowered their transfers.

Suggested Citation

  • Kessler, Anke & Lessmann, Christian, 2010. "Interregional Redistribution and Regional Disparities: How Equalization Does (Not) Work," CEPR Discussion Papers 8133, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:8133
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jason Sorens, 2014. "Does Fiscal Federalism Promote Regional Inequality? An Empirical Analysis of the OECD, 1980-2005," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 48(2), pages 239-253, February.
    2. Hansjörg Blöchliger & José Maria Pinero Campos, 2011. "Tax Competition Between Sub-Central Governments," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 872, OECD Publishing.
    3. Christian Lessmann, 2009. "Fiscal Decentralization and Regional Disparity: Evidence from Cross-Section and Panel Data," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 41(10), pages 2455-2473, October.
    4. Peter Schmidt, 2013. "The EU structural funds as a means to hamper migration," Review of Regional Research: Jahrbuch für Regionalwissenschaft, Springer;Gesellschaft für Regionalforschung (GfR), vol. 33(1), pages 73-99, February.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interregional Transfers; Redistribution Evidence; Regional Disparity;

    JEL classification:

    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • H73 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Interjurisdictional Differentials and Their Effects
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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