TFA006 Paul Johnson on Pensions, Ageing Population & Government Spending

Episode notes

In today's episode director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Johnson shares the true cost of running Britain. Paul explores taxes, pensions including auto-enrollment, the ageing population, and the future of the state pension. Paul is perhaps one the UK's known economists, a regular on BBC Radio 4, and writes a column for the Times Newspaper. He is also a published author with a Times bestseller Follow the Money, How Much Does Britain Cost. Key topics discussed: · Are we receiving good value for our taxes? · Will our taxes keep on rising? · Should we just tax the rich? · Is growth the answer, or raising taxes? · How much does the state pension cost? · Does auto-enrollment solve the problem of funding one's retirement? · Does the risk measurement process need an overhaul? Timestamps: 1:30 Paul Johnson's journey and career so far. 3:15 Holding the government to account. 4:00 How much the government spends? 6:15 Where does the government get its money from? 7:45 What are the big three expenses for the government finances? 11:05 Are we getting good value for money? 15:00 Will taxes keep on rising? 16:15 Can we tax the rich more?