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Preview
  • Follow the Money

  • How Much Does Britain Cost?
  • By: Paul Johnson
  • Narrated by: Rich Keeble
  • Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (103 ratings)

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Follow the Money

By: Paul Johnson
Narrated by: Rich Keeble
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Summary

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'This is a brilliant book. Buy it, read it and weep' The Times

'The antidote to naivety that our political class needs' Sunday Times, Book of the Week

'A treasure trove of killer facts' Guardian

'Read it, absorb it, and understand how the country works' Laura Kuenssberg

'If you want to understand why crazy politics routinely trumps economic rationality in government choices, read this' Robert Peston

Paul Johnson and the enormously respected Institute for Fiscal Studies aim to hold Government to account - without which politicians will get away with their half-truths, elisions and dubious claims. This is a forensic examination - by the man best placed to do so - of the way the state raises and spends £1 trillion of our money every year. To follow the money. To provide an explanation, of where that money comes from and where it goes to, how that has changed and how it needs to change.

Government decisions determine the welfare of the poor and the elderly, the state of the health service, the effectiveness of our children's education, and how prepared we are for the future: whether that is a pandemic or global warming. As a society, we are a reflection of what the government spends.

Johnson looks at what happened following the financial crisis of 2008-09 and the austerity years that followed. He examines the way that the government tackled the economy during Covid - when the UK budget shot up to over a trillion for the first time - and he analyses prospects for our future as we grapple with looming recession and the cost of living crisis.
©2023 Paul Johnson (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK
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What listeners say about Follow the Money

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Frank, honest and knowledgeable

Tells you in a comprehensible way the things you need to hear but find uncomfortable rather than the flattering drivel supporting your own bias found on social media etc. If all voters read this the world could well be a better place. Can't recommend it enough.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb. A must-listen.

This is one of the best books about economics, politics and policy that I’ve ever listened to. A must-listen if you are interested in the state of the UK in terms of health, social care, the economy, education and more. Not dry in the slightest and, at times, passionate and polemical. All in all, this book is utterly superb.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Simple but brilliant

It's funny how the truth can be stranger than reality, and when you actually start to understand where the money comes from as well as where it is going things start to make sense. Great level of detail whilst avoiding any direct political line. Certainly and enjoyable listen from start to end.

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Superb Read - A Book for the long term

This had everything that I wanted to know about how Britain works in terms of finance so that one understands what is possible and why. A great book for everyone to read, but especially for anyone forming an opinion on how to weigh priorities.

Also very easy to listen to.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Essential reading for election year

Clear and evidenced review of the dire state of Britain and the mess we are in after years of stagnant growth, under investment and disastrous political decisions . Every aspect of society and the economy is addressed by an author who knows his stuff. We are sadly lacking in politicians with any new ideas, secretaries of state with tenures in weeks rather than years and a parliament without direction; most evident with Brexit and immigration debates. The book is head and shoulders above the political debate; data driven and clearly explained.

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Mind bending but excellent albeit with slightly condescending narration style

Very informative, lots of stats which is difficult to keep up with sometimes. Slightly condescending style of narration. Learnt a lot

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Clear, discursive arguments without opinion. Honest facts.

Liked - The honesty; facts without spin; forensic analysis and historic context without bias; a wealth of information and, finally, a blueprint for change for improving the prospects of future generations. Loved every minute, despite feeling angry, despairing and frustrated at times.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Amazing book that will educate but also provoke

what an amazing book. you'll get angry and outraged at how badly managed our economy is in places but you'll find yourself so well educated by what's included it'll give you context for that frustration. there's no easy fixes but at least I can see the why and what of the complex issues. it's good for those of us who want to understand but who aren't economists and can't bear to sift through the political jargon or the media's bias. I wish there was a bit more depth in some parts, but it's quite a whistle stop tour.

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Really great read

Great to get a look through the keyhole and definitely changed my view on tax and the tax system.

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Fantastically Informative

Excellent book which taught me a huge amount about the way that our taxes are collected and spent. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in government, politics or economics

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