Composition of and sectoral trends in social expenditure

Health was the sector least affected by fiscal adjustment: in 12 of the 23 episodes in which real total social expenditure declined, there was an increase in real expenditure in the health sector, an example of countercyclical behaviour. In four cases real expenditure in the health sector declined, but at a rate below the total. In those cases in which total social expenditure increased, spending on the health sector increased at a faster rate in half of the cases and at a slower rate in 4 cases.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Sustainable Cities and Communities