UK Public Finances

UK borrowing was £24.5 billion in September 2026, £1.9 billion above forecast, and net debt passed £3 trillion for the first time, ONS data released on 21 October showed.

The IMF said on October 15, 2026 that UK Chancellor John Healey should look at pensions and benefits, not a higher bank tax, to fix public finances in his October 28 budget.