The level of government spending in an economy is influenced by a multitude of non-economic factors such as social and political influences. A recent example of this is COVID-19 pandemic. Some area of government spending fluctuates to suit the requirements and phases of the economy, for instance, during a period of low-economic activity welfare payments may increase to support those who are recently unemployed. This is also known as cyclical fluctuations as government spending is influenced by the phases demonstrated in the business cycle (booms and troughs) However, fixed payments from the government do not change, for example, health or education payment grants.