Public sector finances, UK: February 2026

Borrowing: the difference between total public sector spending and income was £14.3 billion in February 2026; this was £2.2 billion more than in February 2025, largely because of the timing of central government debt interest payable (see Figure 2), and the second highest February borrowing since monthly records began in 1993, behind that of 2021. Borrowing in the financial year to February 2026 was £125.9 billion; this was £11.9 billion or 8.7% less than in the same 11-month period a year ago, but still the fourth-highest April to February borrowing on record (not adjusted for inflation). Borrowing in the ... (full story)