Osborne reveals better than expected borrowing figures but growth disappoints

clock •

The Office for Budget Responsibility has revised up government borrowing forecasts for 2014 and 2015 - but figures for the following years are lower than previously estimated, according to Chancellor George Osborne.

Giving his Autumn Statement, Osborne said public sector net borrowing is now forecast to stand at £91.3bn this year, down from £97.5bn last year and above the £86.4bn forecast in March's Budget. The figures, while showing an initial deterioration in borrowing, make for better reading than some had hoped in later years, according to the independent forecaster. Estimates for 2015 borrowing have also been revised up, from £69bn to £75.9bn, but figures for 2016 and beyond are lower than expected. Borrowing will fall to £40.9bn by 2016, £14.5bn by 2017 and then rise to a surplus of £4bn...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

'Markets have been adjusting to the risks through valuations all year'

Fahad Hassan
clock 29 September 2026 • 6 min read
Healey promises 'new age of industrialisation' ahead of Budget

Healey promises 'new age of industrialisation' ahead of Budget

Keeps quiet on personal taxation, pensions or savings at Labour’s conference

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 September 2026 • 2 min read
MPs warn policymakers to stop using OBR as scapegoat for tough fiscal decisions

MPs warn policymakers to stop using OBR as scapegoat for tough fiscal decisions

Treasury Committee report

clock 23 September 2026 • 2 min read