Fiscal Equalization [electronic resource] : Challenges in the Design of Intergovernmental Transfers / edited by Jorge Martinez-Vazquez, Bob Searle.

Challenges in the Design of Fiscal Equalization and Intergovernmental Transfers -- The Nature of Equalization - Objectives and Consequences -- Fiscal Capacity Equalization and Economic Efficiency: The Case of Australia -- Ensuring Inter-Regional Equity and Poverty Reduction -- The Impact of Equalization on Service Delivery -- Harmonizing Objectives and Outcomes at the National and Sub-National Levels Through Citizen Engagement and Capacity Building (With Special References to the Philippines) -- Discussant Comments -- The Institutional Setting -- A Framework for Evaluating Alternate Institutional Arrangements for Fiscal Equalization Transfers -- Intergovernmental Transfers: The Funding Rule and Mechanisms -- Intergovernmental Transfers: The Vertical Sharing Dimension -- Discussant Comments -- Challenges in Implementing Equalizaton -- Expenditure-Based Equalization Transfers -- Designing Intergovernmental Equalization Transfers with Imperfect Data: Concepts, Practices, and Lessons -- A Model for Public Infrastructure Equalization in Transitional Economies -- Discussant Comments -- The Relationship of Equalization to Other Policies -- Revenue Sharing, Natural Resources and Fiscal Equalization -- The Nature and Functions of Tied Grants -- Intergovernmental Loans: Their Fit into a Transfer System -- Discussant Comments -- The Bigger Picture -- The Political Economy of Equalization Transfers -- Discussant Comments.

These original essays highlight the state of knowledge in intergovernmental transfer design. They represent creative new thinking about challenging policy issues and offer useful options for policy makers. Five specific themes are covered in separate sections. They include: The fundamental nature and objectives of equalization grants and their consequences on efficiency and equity; The appropriate institutional setting for the design and implementation of equalization grant systems; The challenges in the design of formulas with limited data availability for recurrent and capital purposes; The coordination of equalization grants with other related policies; The political economy behind equalization transfers. "There is a genuine need for this book; it will become a 'benchmark' reference. I am impressed with its content, organization, readability, and fresh thematic approach." Robert D. Ebel, The World Bank

ZDB-2-SBE