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Government borrowing

Public sector net borrowing — the gap between government spending and receipts, in billions of pounds.

-£16bn
+20.0% vs 2026-05

As of 2026-06

Historical trend

Trend summary

Government borrowing was -£16bn in 2026-06, up from -£20bn in 2026-05.

Trend

  • Over the available record (1993-01–2026-06), it has ranged from -£51bn in 2020-05 to £33bn in 2026-01.
  • The latest reading is below the record average of -£6.5bn.

Context

  • ONS publishes public sector finances monthly; figures are revised as tax receipts and expenditure outturns are confirmed.
  • The fiscal year runs April to March; full-year figures are published in late April.

Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.

About this indicator

Source
ONS/ HMRC
Update frequency
Monthly
Last updated
3 August 2026
Next update
3 September 2026
Licence
OGL v3
Direction
↑ Rising

Statistics

Latest
-£16bn
Period high
£33bn
Period low
-£24bn
Period average
-£11bn