UK authorities borrowing jumps to £20bn in September

Larger debt curiosity funds pushed UK public sector borrowing up final month to a lot greater ranges than economists have been anticipating, laying naked the challenges dealing with the following prime minister.

Public sector internet borrowing was £20bn in September, £2.2bn greater than in the identical month final 12 months, and the second highest September borrowing determine since month-to-month information started in 1993, in response to knowledge printed by the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics on Friday.

The determine was a lot bigger than the £14.8bn forecast in March by Workplace for Funds Accountability, the UK’s official watchdog, and was additionally greater than the £17bn forecast by economists polled by Reuters.

Curiosity funds on authorities debt rose to £7.7bn in September, £2.5bn greater than in the identical month final 12 months. Larger Curiosity funds mirror the rise within the retail value index to which index-linked gilds are linked.

James Smith, an economist at ING, stated that from the attitude of gilts, “all traders actually wish to see is a reputable fiscal trajectory,” from whoever takes over as prime minister subsequent week.

Central authorities receipts have been £71.2bn in September, which was £7bn greater than in the identical month final 12 months, because of greater tax receipts.

Nonetheless, greater debt funds pushed authorities spending to £79.3bn, £5.8bn above the identical month final 12 months.

September borrowing figures don’t embrace measures such because the common £400 power invoice rebate and the power value freeze that may add to spending from October. These might considerably increase borrowing for the remainder of the 12 months.