Public sector finances
UK government borrowing and the deficit
Public sector net borrowing in the financial year 2026-27 to date (April to September 2026) was £97.8bn. In the same months of the previous financial year it was £102.3bn.
Borrowing is the gap between what the public sector spends and what it receives. Figures are revised in later releases. The running total adds to net debt. Comparison with a forecast is on forecasts.
Public sector net borrowing by month
£bn. Bars above zero are borrowing; below zero, a surplus.
Office for National Statistics · Public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks (J5II) · Published 21 Oct 2026 · Licence terms · Source data · Methodology
Borrowing so far in 2026-27 against 2025-26
£bn, running total. In real terms, only 2026-27 is adjusted. A share of GDP is not shown for part of a year.
| Month | 2026-27, £bn | 2025-26, £bn |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | £23.1bn | £20.2bn |
| May 2026 | £42.4bn | £38.4bn |
| Jun 2026 | £55.7bn | £62.7bn |
| Jul 2026 | £56.1bn | £64.2bn |
| Aug 2026 | £73.3bn | £79.5bn |
| Sept 2026 | £97.8bn | £102.3bn |
Office for National Statistics · Public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks (J5II) · Published 21 Oct 2026 · Licence terms · Source data · Methodology