I've probably never explained to people why I do things the way I do. Every total that I publish is linked to the components that make it up so that anyone can check whether the figure is correct. Gov does not do this, including with the budget docs. People just believe them.

When my figures are different from the gov I can at least show what mine is based on (like a big sum). This is also why I go to lengths to find explanations where my figures vary. There is not always a convincing explanation.

I know of no reason in this day & age why every figure in the budget papers can't be linked to it's smallest components. I do this to test my algorithms & data are correct but gov still just publishes PDFs & everyone accepts it when they say budget totals x amount.