UK public borrowing reached £18.3 billion in August
The UK public sector borrowed £18.3 billion in August 2026, £2.9 billion more than a year earlier, according to the ONS. Spending rose more than tax and other receipts.
Event / data period: 2026-08
Published: · Updated:
Borrowing in the financial year to August was below the same period last year but above the government’s official forecast. Net debt remained just below £3 trillion at the end of August.
The measure excludes public sector banks; positive borrowing represents a deficit. The August amount is a monthly estimate, unadjusted for inflation, and may be revised as more detailed data become available.
Data
Public sector net borrowing
UK public sector borrowing in August 2026.
- Net borrowing, August 2026
- 18.3 billion GBP
- 2026-08 · Estimate
Methodology
ONS UK public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks: August 2026 monthly flow in billion GBP. Positive values indicate a deficit. No inflation adjustment; latest-month estimate subject to revision.
Updated:
Subjects and places
Subject proposals
- Government budgetSuggested
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Geographic references
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- United Kingdom · Place role: Coverage · Place type: Country or area · Location precision: RegionalEvidence
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