4.5.1 Public Expenditure

Question 1

What is the Distinction between Capital Expenditure, Current Expenditure, and Transfer Payments?

Answer 1

1. Capital Expenditure: government spending on long-term investments and assets that are expected to provide benefits over multiple years. Capital expenditure contributes to economic growth and productivity by enhancing a country’s physical and human capital. E.g. infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, bridges), public buildings, and investments in education or healthcare facilities.
2. Current Expenditure: day-to-day government spending on recurring items, such as salaries, maintenance, and operational costs. This category includes expenses related to running government agencies, providing public services, and covering welfare programs like unemployment benefits. Current expenditure maintains the existing level of public services but does not typically contribute directly to long-term economic growth.
3. Transfer Payments: government payments made to individuals or groups without any expectation of goods or services in return. Transfer payments are redistributive in nature, aimed at providing support to individuals or entities in need. E.g. social welfare payments (e.g., unemployment benefits, pensions), subsidies to specific industries, and grants to local governments.

Question 2

What are some Reasons for the Changing Size and Composition of Public Expenditure in a Global Context?

Answer 2

• Public expenditure varies across countries and over time due to factors such as economic conditions, government priorities, demographics, and political ideologies.
  1. In response to economic crises or changing economic conditions, governments may increase spending to stimulate growth or reduce spending to control deficits.
  2. Changing demographics, such as an aging population, can lead to increased spending on healthcare and pensions.
  3. Political ideologies can influence the composition of public expenditure, with some governments favoring social welfare programs and others emphasizing defense or infrastructure.

Question 3

What are the impacts of Differing Levels of Public Expenditure (as a Proportion of GDP)?

Answer 3

1. Productivity and Growth: Higher levels of public expenditure on investments like education, healthcare, and infrastructure can enhance human capital and physical capital, thereby contributing to productivity and long-term economic growth.
2. Living Standards: Public expenditure on welfare programs, healthcare, and education can improve living standards by providing essential services and social safety nets.
3. Crowding Out: Excessive government spending can lead to crowding out, where increased government borrowing raises interest rates, potentially reducing private sector investment and economic growth.
4. Level of Taxation: The level of public expenditure is often linked to taxation policies. Higher public expenditure may require higher taxes, which can impact disposable income and economic incentives.
5. Equality: Public expenditure can reduce income inequality by providing social support to disadvantaged groups and funding education and healthcare accessible to all citizens.