Generation debt

How Britain mortgaged our children’s future and what we can do about it.

Generation Debt is the Centre’s first public education campaign, speaking directly to the. generation most affected by today’s fiscal choices. Our children.

This is not a party-political campaign. We will engage the 16–30-year-olds who will inherit the bill for decisions made by earlier generations. The higher that bill, the less will be available for public services and investment in their future. Our aim is to help them understand the trade-offs between borrowing, spending, growth, taxation and debt, so they can make their own informed judgements about the country they want to build for themselves and their families.

Generation Debt is a non-partisan, engaging talk for sixth forms, colleges and universities
exploring:

• How government borrowing actually works
• The difference between borrowing for investment and borrowing to fund day-to-day
• spending
• Who ultimately pays for public spending
• The trade-offs between tax, spending and growth
• What intergenerational fairness means
• How changing demographics will impact debt, interest, and their future bill
• Why difficult political choices are often avoided
• Their role in the conversation about our futures

It is designed to provoke thought, not push a political view. We work with each school, college or university to agree on the most suitable style and format. This can include speaking in advance with teachers and students about their expectations, questions and concerns. The style is open, respectful and balanced. The purpose is not to tell young people what to think, but to help them ask better questions about the choices that will shape their future.