Public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) in the UK widened to 18.0 billion GBP in August 2025 from 14.4 billion GBP in the same month last year, exceeding market expectations of 12.8 billion GBP. This marked the highest August borrowing since 2020. Total public sector spending increased by 8.4 billion GBP, driven by higher costs of public services, benefits, and debt interest. Meanwhile, total receipts rose by 4.8 billion GBP, reflecting stronger central government tax and National Insurance contribution revenues. Borrowing for the financial year to August reached 83.8 billion. GBP, 16.2 billion GBP more than in the same period of 2024 and the second-highest April-to-August total since monthly records began in 1993, after 2020. This was also 11.4 billion GBP higher than the 72.4 billion GBP forecast by the OBR in March. Public sector net debt excluding public sector banks stood at 96.4% of GDP at the end of August.