UK borrowing hits £77.3bn, leaving John Healey less Budget headroom

The UK has borrowed £77.3 billion so far in the 2026/27 financial year, about £8 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March forecast. That leaves Chancellor John Healey with less room before the Budget. August borrowing hit £18.3 billion, versus analyst expectations of £15.5 billion, while debt-interest spending approached £9 billion, the highest figure recorded.