下水道事業者の基準外繰入の分析

抄録

　Sewerage utilities are often in poor financial condition, with many relying on discretionary subsidies from the local governments for cash flow. This dependence on discretionary subsidies is undesirable in sewerage operations, which should operate on a self-supporting basis. However, no prior research has yet analyzed the determinants of discretionary subsidies. This paper conducts a detailed analysis of the accounting system for local public enterprises, identifying key characteristics to consider when analyzing discretionary subsidies. Furthermore, based on these findings, it was empirically demonstrated that when local governments have fiscal leeway, issues of “soft budget constraints” are more likely to arise. Additionally, while systems exist to provide fiscal adjustments for disadvantaged areas with low population density, even accounting for the effects of these adjustments, areas with a population density below 50 persons/ha still rely notably more on discretionary subsidies compared to other regions. Considering that many existing facilities, such as sewers and treatment plants, will soon reach their renewal period, and that a decrease in sewerage revenue is anticipated due to population decline, the significance of this empirical finding—that the situation in areas with a population density of less than 50 persons/ha is particularly severe—is substantial.