Universal Credit – one for The Old Vic

Last Wednesday, 11 September 2013, the Public Accounts Committee took evidence on Universal Credit from DWP, the NAO and the Cabinet Office.

Media coverage of this electric event has been minimal. We know all about the different colours available for the Apple iPhone 5S. Nothing about the unmasking of misfeasance in public office on a monumental scale.

Where the media fail, perhaps another institution could succeed?


From: David Moss
Sent: 15 September 2013 10:34
To: Kevin Spacey CBE
Subject: Universal Credit – one for The Old Vic?
Attachments: uncorrected transcript - universal credit (223 KB)

Kevin Spacey CBE

Artistic Director

The Old Vic

15 September 2013

Dear Mr Spacey

I attach a script for your consideration.

It’s 52 pages long.

52 pages of insight into how the Legislature in the UK is subverted by the unaccountable Executive. The politicians want to spring the poverty trap created by a dysfunctional welfare system. Their will is converted into stratospheric payments to IT contractors. All in the name of public service.

It’s a story of misfeasance in public office. Incompetence. And insouciance about hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money going up in smoke. Why bother to pay tax?

It’s an epic business failure. It’s a whodunnit. It’s a courtroom drama. It’s a gladiatorial contest.

52 pages of drama. All paid for already by the taxpayer – no additional cost to the Old Vic for the script. And there’s plenty more where that came from. Masses more.

The set is simple. The characters are complex. Public interest could/should be huge.

One for The Old Vic?

Yours sincerely

David Moss