Suchergebnisse

Draws upon analyses of structural effects in the USA. Outlines fragmentation and concentration. Implications for structural reform in the UK are analysed. Concludes that the creation of a single-tier system may not lead to greater efficiency, and that the advantages of a 2-tier system have been underestimated. (Abstract amended)

Replies to criticism from Gibson (Jun 90). Argues that his only point of potential substance is of no practical significance. Includes a rejoinder. (SJK)

Analyses political and economic theories of the role of grants, and assesses the quality of the existing evidence on the relationship between central grants and local policies in the UK. Specifies a statistical model of the impact of grants on local expenditure and presents evidence on the validity of the model in the context of English local authorities. (SJK)

In this paper the effectiveness of local tax equalisation across English local authorities since 1981 is evaluated. Two specific aims of equalisation policies are identified. Proportional rate equalisation implies that variations in needs and resources should be neutralised and that tax levels should depend on local spending decisions. Strict rate equalisation implies that local taxes should not exceed the levels specified by central government. The statistical evidence indicates that neither of these aims has been achieved since 1981. The main obstacles to proportional rate equalisation are differences in grant funding and inadequate compensation for variations in needs and resources. The main obstacle to strict rate equalisation is incrementalism in local budgeting. The implications of the planned reforms of local government finance are analysed. It is concluded that equalisation may be more effective under the new system of local taxes and central grants.

The author responds to a comment (66, Winter 88) on his paper (64, Summer 86). (PAS)

Tests the staff maximization hypothesis that bureaucratic power is positively related to labour inputs to the production of public sector goods and services. The context of the test is the staffing policies of 3 groups of British local authorities in 3 time periods. The relationship between bureaucratic power and changes in authorities' staff is estimated while controlling for the influence of local party politics, central grants and conditions in the environment of the local political system. The results of the statistical analysis refute the staff maximization hypothesis. (AM)