AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF ANNUALITY IN THE UK PUBLIC SECTOR: PLUS ÇA CHANGE, PLUS C’EST LA MÊME CHOSE?
ABSTRACT
Annuality (the requirement of budgets to be spent by the financial yearend or be surrendered
to the centre) affects public sector budgeting in many countries. As a consequence, as the end
of a financial year draws near it can result in a scramble to spend. However, despite much
anecdotal evidence regarding the negative impact of annuality, little has been written on the
subject. This research explores the use of annuality in practice in the UK public sector. A
series of interviews with those working within and with the public sector was used in order to
understand the complex process that is annuality. The main findings of the research are that
annuality remains prevalent (despite changes that seek to reduce its perceived negative
influences), its impact is managed by individuals in a flexible manner and, although greater
freedom regarding endyear flexibility is now permitted, this has often not permeated to
frontline managers