Spending choices in Budget 2022
Date
2022-07
Authors
Sachs, Michael
Ewinyu, Arabo K.
Shedi, Olwethu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS)
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
This paper offers an independent appraisal of expenditure choices implied by the budget 2022 numbers by presenting National Treasury budget data in a form that is accessible and policy-relevant. The analysis may not be uncontroversial or “neutral” but is balanced and grounded in evidence. The report’s focus is on spending allocated through the national budget. Other elements of public spending (such as the state-owned companies, the budgets of metropolitan municipalities and spending financed by rates, levies or user charges) are mentioned where relevant. Tax policy is dealt with in passing but future reports aim to tackle the revenue side of the budget directly. After discussing the fiscal context for expenditure choices, the report analyses the aggregate resource allocation and choices implied by the budget estimates and then considers expenditure trends in each major policy area: healthcare, education, social protection, criminal justice and defence, economic policy and community development.
Description
Keywords
Public Economy, Appraisal of expenditure choices, National Treasury budget data, Tax policy, National budget major policies
Citation
Sachs, M., Ewinyu, A.K. and Shedi, O. 2022. Spending choices in Budget 2022. Public Economy Project. SCIS Working paper | Number 30.