Your Taxes Pay for Nothing
Why Government Spending is Nothing Like That of a Household
Date & time
28 October 2026 | 18.00-21.00
Event format
Attend event in person
Event type
Participatory interactive event
Event topic
Money & finance
Audience
Adults
Academic discipline
Economic and social history
Venue
The Canada Room & Council Chamber, Lanyon Building, Queen’s University, University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN
Money & finance theme
What's on offer?
An interactive workshop with opening remarks from Professor John Barry followed by small group work with participants and Q&A.
What's it about?
Understand the system. Question the narrative. Be part of the conversation.
Money Talks… but do we really understand what it is saying? Join us at Queen’s University Belfast for an eye-opening, interactive workshop that challenges the way we think about money, government spending, and the economy.
At a time of rising living costs, many of us hear the same message: “there is no money.” But what if that story isn’t the full picture? This event explores how state finances really work, questioning the idea that governments must “earn” or “borrow” money like households—and what that means for public services, austerity, and everyday life.
Led by researchers from Queen’s, this session will break down complex ideas into clear, engaging discussions.
Whether you’re curious about the cost-of-living crisis, interested in how public money works, or keen to challenge economic myths, this event offers a space to learn, reflect, and think differently.
Who's leading the event?
Professor John Barry, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics
Open to
Everyone welcome.
Of particular interest to
Anyone with an interst in money or curious about how state finances work.
Event Booking details
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1999083551717?aff=oddtdtcreator
Event booking deadline
27/10/26
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