However, the support that tier-three LRGs are able to get from the respective tier-two LRGs is weaker than what upper-tier government can rely on. This is because fiscal resources generally decline down the fiscal ladder. The central government and tier-one LRGs also have mechanisms to provide exceptional support to tier-three LRGs. We estimate LRGs will be fiscally responsible for a shrinking part of LGFV debt going forward. This is as LGFVs transition toward being more commercial, and their hidden debts get progressively resolved. The weakest tier-three LRGs may continue to run unsustainable deficits and debt levels. We expect tier-three LRG deficits as a percentage of adjusted total revenue to stay elevated in 2025 before mildly recovering from 2026, to 10%-15%