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Evidence library

Clear explanations, with sources and a practical next step.

Public money

How do I read a budget without being an economist?Start with the year, the unit and the stage of the number. You do not need to understand every table at once.2 min read
Announced, allocated or actually spent: which number is this?“More money” can mean a new plan, an updated estimate or completed expenditure. Always name the stage.2 min read
What does a CAG report prove, and what does it not prove?An audit can provide evidence about public administration and spending. Read the finding, scope and response before drawing a wider conclusion.2 min read
When does political funding raise a conflict-of-interest question?A disclosed payment and a favourable decision can justify questions. Establishing a quid pro quo needs evidence connecting the two.3 min read
Where does government money come from?Taxes are only one part of a government’s receipts. Borrowing, non-tax revenue and asset-related receipts have different meanings.3 min read
What do debt and deficit numbers mean?Debt is measured at a point in time; a deficit concerns a period. Neither number alone tells you whether spending was worthwhile.3 min read
How does the government buy work and services?A tender announces a purchase process. An award, inspection and payment establish different stages. Follow the actual record.3 min read
Does a bigger budget mean a better service?An allocation is permission to spend, not proof that a service worked. Follow the money through delivery and then test the result.3 min read

Reference and methods

Evidence library

Dated evidence

Four worked examples. Keep the category, date and denominator with the number.