How much is the UK government borrowing?

Public sector net borrowing (the deficit) is the gap between what the public sector spends and what it receives in a period. The ONS publishes it monthly, with the financial year so far, in the public sector finances release.

Monthly figures are revised heavily as tax and spending data come in, so check the latest release before quoting a past month. Each release compares the year so far with the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast, which shows whether borrowing is above or below plan.

Official sources: ONS public sector finances (latest) · OBR public finances monthly commentary

The latest figure

The newest value is at Office for National Statistics (ONS). More on it: UK public sector net borrowing.

When is the next figure out?

Monthly, usually around the third week of the month, 7am; next release 21 October 2026

Every official release due in the next two weeks is on the release calendar.

Terms used in this answer

• Public sector net borrowing (PSNB)
  The gap between what the public sector spends and what it receives in a period. Often called the deficit; it adds to debt.
• Fiscal rules
  Targets the government sets for itself on borrowing and debt, written into the Charter for Budget Responsibility and assessed by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
• Outturn
  The actual recorded figure for a period that has ended, as opposed to a plan, budget or forecast for it.
• Provisional figures
  Early estimates published before all data are in, so users get timely figures. They are expected to be updated when later data arrive.
• Revisions
  Changes to previously published figures, made when more complete data, improved methods or updated seasonal factors become available. A normal part of official statistics.
• Financial year
  The UK government's accounting year, running from 1 April to 31 March. Written as 2025-26 or FYE March 2026. The tax year runs 6 April to 5 April.

Where the figures come from

• UK tax rates, allowances and taxpayer statistics (GOV.UK, HMRC, OBR, Revenue Scotland and Welsh Revenue Authority)
  Where to check official UK income tax bands, National Insurance, VAT, stamp duty, inheritance tax and taxpayer numbers, and how to test tax claims.
• Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)
  Where to find OBR forecasts, policy costings, the public finances databank and 300 years of fiscal data, and how to test tax and spending pledges.

Related questions

• What is the UK national debt?
• How much does the UK spend on debt interest?
• How much tax revenue does the UK collect?

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about public finances, tax and the obr: all Public finances, tax and the OBR questions.