In this time of acute financial pressure on public budgets, there is an increasing interest worldwide in alternative ways for governments to raise money, and how public authorities can develop the capacity to administer revenues efficiently and effectively. Taxation, the primary source of public revenue, is exposed to various threats, such as tax avoidance, tax evasion, and international tax competition. Alternative sources of public revenues – such as user fees and charges, concessions and franchises, public-private partnerships, state-owned enterprises, and the exploitation of natural resources – have much potential but are rarely carefully designed and harnessed.
Public Sector Revenue: Principles, Policies and Management sets itself apart from other textbooks through its exclusive focus on the revenue side of public financial management. It provides the reader with the theoretical foundations and practical tools to understand the generation and management of revenues in the public sector. On top of this, the text boasts a wealth of examples from all over the world – looking at topics including:
• the structure and history of income tax rates in the US
• fiscal devolution to Scotland
• international tax avoidance schemes in the Netherlands
• public-private partnerships in the UK
• the exploitation of natural resources in Norway
Students will also benefit from a companion website containing videos, test questions, and answers to the end-of-chapter discussion questions.
This textbook will be essential reading for students, managers and policymakers within the areas of public financial management, public sector accounting and public administration.