UK borrows £18.3bn in August ahead of budget
The UK government borrowed £18.3bn in August, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics, exceeding expectations and rising £2.9bn from August 2025. The figure adds pressure on Chancellor John Healey as he seeks to calm jittery bond markets before next month’s budget.
The UK government borrowed £18.3bn in August, according to official figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday.
Public sector net borrowing, defined as the difference between government spending and income, was £2.9bn higher than in August 2025. The figure was higher than expected.
The borrowing data increases pressure on Chancellor John Healey as he attempts to calm jittery bond markets before next month’s budget.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What assumptions led forecasters to expect lower borrowing in August?
Which spending or income changes accounted for the £2.9bn annual increase?
How might the borrowing figure affect the government’s options before the budget?
What conditions would help calm bond markets before next month’s budget?
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