Many believe that the government should spend more money on public services than on arts and culture. Do you agree or disagree?

Band 7 Answer

Many people think that governments should spend more money on public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation rather than on arts and culture. I agree with this view because public services are more important for people’s daily lives.

First of all, services like hospitals, schools, and public transport affect everyone directly. If governments invest more money in these areas, people will enjoy better medical care, better education, and safer travel. This can improve the quality of life for the whole society.

On the other hand, arts and culture are also important. They help people to enjoy life, understand history, and feel proud of their traditions. However, they are not as urgent as health or education. When budgets are limited, I think governments should put public services first.

In conclusion, while art and culture make life meaningful, public services are the foundation of a strong country. Therefore, I believe governments should give more priority to essential services and then spend on arts when there are enough resources.

Band 8 Answer

There is a debate over whether governments should allocate more funds to essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, rather than to arts and cultural development. I strongly agree that public services deserve greater financial priority, though I also recognise the value of the arts.

Public services are the backbone of a functioning society. Access to quality healthcare ensures that citizens remain healthy and productive, while investment in education equips future generations with the skills needed for both personal and national growth. Moreover, efficient infrastructure, including transport systems and public housing, directly improves people’s standard of living and reduces inequality. These areas are urgent and essential, and without them, even a culturally rich nation may struggle to thrive.

That said, arts and culture should not be completely ignored. They provide people with identity, emotional fulfilment, and social cohesion. For instance, museums, theatres, and cultural festivals preserve traditions and inspire creativity, which can even benefit the economy through tourism. However, unlike hospitals or schools, arts are not immediately vital to survival or daily functioning.

In my view, governments should prioritise public services when allocating limited budgets, as they form the foundation of a stable and prosperous society. Once these basic needs are secured, investment in the arts can follow, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded national development.