![[Previous]](/ukens_statistikk/gifs/previous.gif)
![[Contents]](/ukens_statistikk/gifs/up.gif)
![[Next]](/ukens_statistikk/gifs/next.gif)
|
|
|
Government had a surplus measured in net financial investment of NOK 79.3 billion in 1997. This is an increase of 20 per cent from the year before. Central government contributed the most, with a surplus of NOK 82 billion. Preliminary figures for local government show a deficit of NOK 2.8 billion.
Net investment in government improved sharply in 1993-1997. This is mainly due to the central government. The improvement is the result of higher earnings from state petroleum activities and increased petroleum taxes, as well as higher tax revenues in general and relatively moderate overall growth in expenditure during the period.
Growth in public expenditure
Preliminary accounting figures show that the combined expenditure of government increased by 4.1 per cent in 1997. This is somewhat less than the year before, when growth was 4.4 per cent, but is considerably more than in 1993-1995. Higher expenditure in local government is the main factor.
Public expenditure is classified by purpose according to international standards. The major groups are health care, education and social security and welfare. In 1997 these groups in combination accounted for about 66 per cent of government's total expenditure.
Weekly Bulletin issue no. 18, 1998