Government Borrowing More Than £3 Billion Above OBR Forecasts
New data reveals that the UK's net borrowing reached £24.3 billion in April 2026, significantly exceeding forecasts. This figure represents a 25% increase compared to the same month last year and is £3.4 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility's predictions. The rise in borrowing is attributed to increased spending on benefits and record debt interest repayments.
- ▪Net borrowing in April 2026 was £24.3 billion, £4.9 billion more than April 2025.
- ▪This amount is £3.4 billion higher than the £20.9 billion forecast by the OBR.
- ▪The current budget deficit for April 2026 was £17.4 billion, £3.4 billion more than the previous year.
- ▪Government debt interest repayments reached £10.3 billion, the highest for any April on record.
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New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that net borrowing was well above forecasts at £24.3 billion in April 2026. That’s £4.9 billion – 25% – more than in April last year, and £3.4 billion more than the £20.9 billion forecast by the OBR. Not much room for Andy to expand on… The ONS also says: “The current budget deficit – borrowing to fund day-to-day public sector activities – was £17.4 billion in April 2026; this was £3.4 billion (24.6%) more than in April 2025, and £2.6 billion more than the £14.8 billion forecast by the OBR.” Ballooning… Andrew Griffith, Shadow Business Secretary said: “Despite record increases in tax, government borrowing was still up 25% year on year for April.
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