Follow the Money cover art

Follow the Money

How Much Does Britain Cost?

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Follow the Money

By: Paul Johnson
Narrated by: Rich Keeble
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About this listen

 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 Politics & Government Thought-Provoking Economic inequality

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All stars
Most relevant
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.

Frank, honest and knowledgeable

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

Mind bending but excellent albeit with slightly condescending narration style

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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.

Clear, discursive arguments without opinion. Honest facts.

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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.

Superb Read - A Book for the long term

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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.

Essential reading for election year

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Should have been a tough topic but this was easy to understand and full of eye opening insights. Good narration too.

Fascinating insight

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Explains in not too much detail where our tax dollars are going and why things are as they are closed today. One overarching infograph in an accompanying pdf would be a marvellous addition, for the second edition perhaps, Paul ?

Just what I have been looking for !

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Points in the final chapter on the challenges, political will and growth are good but the previous chapters can be a bit boring with too much subjective narrative tinged with political opinion.

On the money

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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.

Amazing book that will educate but also provoke

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

Really great read

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