 Territorial Resource Allocation in the UK: A Rejoinder on Needs AssessmentArthur Midwinter Regional Studies, 2002, vol. 36, issue 5, 563-567 Abstract: In a recent paper in Regional Studies Kevin Morgan argued for the replacement of the Barnett formula with a needsbased formula. However, the case for change is weak, in terms of both defining the problem and advocating a solution, and it fails to recognize the severe conceptual and measurement problems in such an approach. The current system has provided patterns of resource allocation which are reflective of differences in needs. It is a simple, transparent and objective approach, and has flexibility to deal with discrepancies through negotiation with the Treasury. A needs-based approach would not solve the problems of resource allocation, as it would provide scope for greater disagreement over the selection and weighting of indicators. Advocates of such an approach to territorial resource allocation have yet to provide a convincing rationale for change, or a coherent model of needs assessment for consideration, and are rash to assume that Scotland would lose, or Wales would gain from such changes on the basis of existing social, demographic and geographic differences. Keywords: Barnett; Needs; Formula; Territorial Expenditure; Budgetary Politics (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:taf:regstd:v:36:y:2002:i:5:p:563-567 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from DOI: 10.1080/00343400220137164 Access Statistics for this article Regional Studies is currently edited by Ivan Turok More articles in Regional Studies from Taylor & Francis Journals |
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