Public Spending and the Role of the State

This book presents a holistic, comprehensive discussion of a highly relevant topic in economics: public expenditure, its history, value for money, related risks and remedies. It discusses the arguments and facts in a non-technical manner, with many tables and charts, for students, professionals and the interested public alike.

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Given high government spending, debt and the new challenges on the horizon, the themes of this work are more relevant than ever: the essential tool of spending by the state, its 'value for money', likely risks in the future, and the remedies to create lean, efficient and sustainable government. This book takes a holistic and international approach, covering most advanced countries, and discusses a historical overview of public expenditure, from the nineteenth century to the modern day, as well as future challenges. It sees the government's role as providing sound rules of the game and essential public goods and services. In presenting the relevant arguments, information and policy recommendations through comprehensive tables, charts and historical facts, the book addresses a broad readership, including students, professionals and interested members of the public.