UK government borrowing rises to £24.5bn ahead of Budget

Summary

UK government borrowing rose to £24.5bn in September, higher than expected, according to official figures. Rising inflation pushed up the interest paid on government debt, and the government paid £10.9bn in debt interest, the highest September figure since records began and only the eighth time the monthly figure has been above £10bn. The figures are the final snapshot of public finances before the October 28 Budget, and they add pressure on Chancellor John Healey before he delivers it.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   21 Oct 2026, 06:10 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that UK government borrowing rose to £24.5bn in September, with higher-than-expected figures that are the final snapshot of public finances before the October 28 Budget.

2. The Guardian

   21 Oct 2026, 06:48 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that the Treasury ran a higher-than-expected budget deficit of £24.5bn last month as rising inflation pushed up interest on government debt, and that £10.9bn in debt interest was the highest September figure since records began, increasing pressure on John Healey before his budget next week.