Budget story template: explain public budgets and allocations clearly
Budget stories fail when they are lists of numbers. Byline explains the allocation, the change from last year, the justification and the impact on ordinary people.
How it works
Open Budget Story in your workspace and fill in what you know. Rough notes are fine; required fields are marked.
| You give | Example |
|---|---|
| Budget name / year | National Budget 2026/27 |
| Sector / ministry focus | Health, Education, Agriculture |
| This year's allocation | $850 million (12% of the total budget) |
| Previous year allocation (optional) | $720 million |
| Key changes / highlights | New hospital construction, 3,000 nurse recruitment, drug budget doubled |
| Impact on citizens (optional) | Free ARVs extended, rural clinics to get equipment upgrade |
| Government justification (optional) | Finance Minister says investment in human capital |
| Opposition / expert response (optional) | Civil society says figure is insufficient, needs doubling |
| Target length (words) (optional) | 300, 400, 500, 600 |
Press Write and the draft appears as it is written. Edit it, then save it, translate it, turn it into a script or social posts, or send it to your editor.
Making numbers readable
- Give both the amount and the share of the total budget.
- Add last year’s figure so the change can be explained.
- Include a reaction from the sector affected.
Accuracy first
Byline writes only from the facts you give it. It never invents quotes, sources or figures, and when something important is missing it marks the gap, like [CHECK: name of the spokesperson], for you to fill. You check every fact before publishing.
Questions
Will it calculate percentages?
It explains the figures you give. Always check any calculation before publishing.
Is the Budget Story template free?
Yes, it is included in the free plan.
Which AI models can I use?
You can choose Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama or Mistral, depending on your plan.
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