Discussion on the justification of horizontal redistribution of revenues among local self-government units Cover Image

Dyskusja na temat zasadności poziomej redystrybucji dochodów między jednostkami samorządu terytorialnego
Discussion on the justification of horizontal redistribution of revenues among local self-government units

Author(s): Sławomira Kańduła
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: local self-government units; fiscal inequalities; equalization transfers; horizontal redistribution

Summary/Abstract: The subject of the paper is the discussion on horizontal redistribution of public revenues among local self-government units. The assumed aim of this redistribution is to equalize the different levels of income and burden of expenditure. The paper lists desirable features of this redistribution, motives for its application, and arguments of its opponents. The analysis of the latter shows that while part of the criticism refers to the essence of horizontal redistribution, significantly more of it concerns the dysfunctions of its mechanism which became apparent after 2008. The criticism focuses, for example, on the criteria for making compensatory payments, the structure of tax revenue indices, the so-called reference period, the amounts of compensatory payments, the criteria for the distribution of the collected amounts. The paper includes suggestions concerning recommended directions of changes in the mechanism of this redistribution.

  • Issue Year: 16/2015
  • Issue No: 61
  • Page Range: 102-125
  • Page Count: 24