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Follow the Money
- How Much Does Britain Cost?
- Narrated by: Rich Keeble
- Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
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Follow the Money
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Summary
'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.
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- Mr John Sampson
- 25-03-24
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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- Anonymous User
- 14-03-23
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- EDDIE MILLER
- 21-05-24
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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- Raim Dragonetti
- 22-03-23
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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- Steve Wright
- 05-03-24
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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Timbo
- 02-01-24
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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- Matt Knight
- 06-04-24
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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- Ladan
- 22-03-23
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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1 person found this helpful
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- Mr A Moffatt
- 12-03-24
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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- Mark Etherington
- 16-08-23
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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