UK government borrowing jumps over forecast to £18.3bn in August as ‘fiscal straightjacket’ tightens – business live - short news
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
The cost of servicing the UK’s national debt has hit a record high for any August, as rising inflation drove up interest payments.
Today’s public finances show that central government debt interest bill was £8.8bn in August – the highest August figure since monthly records began in 1997.
Higher debt servicing costs absorb a greater share of government revenues, reducing fiscal room and leaving the public..
source: The Guardian - 22.09.2026