Reports and Projects

Should the Government be Spending More?

BY BRIAN EASTON | ECONOMIC POLICY NETWORK

Survey evidence suggests the public want more government spending in a number of policy areas: health, education, housing, law enforcement, public transport and the environment. Yet there has been little increase in the aggregate level of government spending relative to GDP over the last 20 years. What are the spending patterns relative to GDP and how could any increase in spending be financed?

Should the Government be Spending More?