More or Less: Behind the Stats Worse mortgages, better readers, and potholes on the moon
Jun 19, 2024
Investigating the validity of political claims on mortgages, primary school reading abilities, and potholes in the UK. Highlighting discrepancies in financial projections and campaign strategies between Labour and Conservatives. Examining the impact of excluding gold bullion on trade statistics and the comparison of potholes on British roads to craters on the moon.
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Mirrored Criticisms
- Labour criticizes Conservative spending plans, mirroring the Conservatives' critique of Labour's tax plans.
- Both parties use multi-year totals and assumptions about the other's policies.
Borrowing Impact
- Labour's calculations assume the Conservatives will fully borrow £71 billion, impacting interest rates.
- This assumption contradicts the Conservatives' statements and relies on a pessimistic Treasury analysis.
Mortgage Example
- Labour's mortgage increase calculations are based on a first-time buyer with an 85% mortgage on an average house.
- This example isn't representative of most mortgage holders, who may have fixed rates or different loan terms.