Jargon buster: Revenue stream

/Rev'in-u strêm/ noun

Income, money, moolah. Public sector accountants are fond of this term because the notion of a stream is soothing, life giving and never ending.

Unfortunately, the finances of many public projects are actually like a stream bed – murky, frequently rocky, and succour to parasites. To destroy the metaphor even further, a stream will occasionally burst its banks, spilling excessive water into the surrounding areas.

The chances of a local authority cash pool spilling over and showering local residents with unexpected dosh is about as likely as the First Minister achieving spontaneous flight.