Each record is worked out from official figures already on this site. Records use the latest estimates, so they can change when earlier figures are revised.
£51.1bn
£51.1bn in May 2020. Source: Office for National Statistics, J5II.
The most borrowed in a single month in ONS records, which start in January 1993. Based on J5II, latest estimates, in cash terms.
£32.0bn
£32.0bn in Jan 2026. Source: Office for National Statistics, J5II.
The largest monthly surplus in ONS records, which start in January 1993. Based on J5II, latest estimates.
97.8%
97.8% in Sept 2020. Source: Office for National Statistics, HF6X.
Highest debt as a share of GDP since ONS records began in 1993-03. Based on HF6X, latest estimates.
13.8%
13.8% in 1947. Source: Office for National Statistics, NMFX ÷ JW2O.
Highest calendar-year debt interest as a share of calendar-year receipts. NMFX divided by JW2O. Both annual series are calendar years.
£126.4bn
£126.4bn in Jan 2026. Source: HM Revenue & Customs, HMRC monthly total.
Highest monthly HMRC cash receipts in this series, which starts in April 2017. HMRC's own records start earlier.
Records compare each value with every earlier value in the same series. Money records are in cash terms, not adjusted for inflation, unless the card says otherwise.