A politician says spending increased

Distinguish estimates, actual spending and evidence of delivery.

4 guides, in a suggested order. Read at your own pace.

1. 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
2. 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
3. What does the 2026–27 Union Budget actually say about spending? →A worked example using the official 2026–27 Budget at a Glance table, with the inputs and arithmetic visible.2 min read
4. 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