McMaster, R. and Mackay, D. F. (1998) Distribution, equity and domestic water charging regimes: the case of Scotland. Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, 69(1), pp. 85-105. (doi: 10.1111/1467-8292.00074)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8292.00074
Abstract
This paper argues that charging for a merit good, such as water, raises important distributional concerns. More direct charging is likely to demonstrate a pronounced impact on poorer sections of society. Arguably, this carries potentially adverse allocative efficiency effects. Following Hochman and Rodgers' (1969) thesis that wealthier individuals may benefit from the redistribution of income to the poor; the regressive pricing of merit goods will engender external costs. We argue that this is likely in the context of domestic water provision in Scotland. On this basis we evaluate the comparative regressiveness of five alternative charging arrangements. Somewhat counter-intuitively, our simulation results reveal that a flat rate licence fee may be marginally the least regressive of the five arrangements.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | McMaster, Professor Robert and Mackay, Professor Daniel |
Authors: | McMaster, R., and Mackay, D. F. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management |
Journal Name: | Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics |
Publisher: | Wiley |
ISSN: | 1370-4788 |
ISSN (Online): | 1467-8292 |
Published Online: | 16 December 2002 |
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