Vanishing Borders of Urban Local Finance: Global Developments with Illustrations from Indian Federation

The book explores the trends in vanishing borders of urban local government finance due to uncertain local tax and expenditure regimes, with illustrations from the Indian federation. It highlights the enhanced environmental vulnerability due to population concentration in cities and big towns, and the need for improved revenue regimes and transfers. It also discusses the involvement of the corporate sector in local area preference initiatives through mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR), which could displace local government operations. The book examines setbacks to fiscal decentralization and challenges in improving the status of urban local finances, and explores the possibility of an expanded role of local fiscal policy in the context of globalization and climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 367 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The book delves into the evolving trends in the disappearing borders of urban local government finance, driven by uncertain local tax and expenditure regimes. It provides a comprehensive analysis of global developments, complemented by illustrations from the state budgetary operations of the Indian federation. This trend has gained significant momentum due to the concentration of population in cities and big towns, resulting in heightened environmental vulnerability due to climate change. The mismatch between expanding expenditure needs and revenue regimes, coupled with the involvement of the corporate sector in local area preference initiatives through mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR), presents an intriguing development. While it is anticipated to serve as a local fiscal additionality to supplement locally provided civic and infrastructure services, there are concerns that it may displace local government operations.

The central theme of the book revolves around critically examining the setbacks to fiscal decentralization and identifying challenges in improving the status of urban local finances to enhance fiscal autonomy of these governments, particularly in the Indian context. The book also explores the potential for an expanded role of local fiscal policy in the context of globalization and climate change, alongside addressing the conventional responsibilities related to the quality of civic services.

In conclusion, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of urban local government finance, shedding light on the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the context of globalization and climate change. It provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to address the fiscal challenges faced by urban local governments and promote sustainable development in urban areas.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811952999
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022